COMMUNITY JOURNALIST
UpLift MobileLocation: Mobile County, Alabama
Position: Part-Time / Freelance
Work Style: Field Reporting + Remote Writing
ABOUT UPLIFT MOBILE
UpLift Mobile is an ultra-local digital publication documenting the people, businesses, neighborhoods, institutions, culture and events shaping Mobile County.
Our journalism is community-centered, informative and accessible. We believe important local stories don’t only happen at major press conferences—they happen at neighborhood meetings, small businesses, schools, cultural events, nonprofit programs, sporting events and throughout everyday Mobile.
THE POSITION
UpLift Mobile is seeking a dependable Community Journalist who can go into the community, understand what is happening and tell the story clearly.
This is primarily a writing and reporting position not a professional photography or videography position.
Typical assignments may involve attending a community meeting, press conference, business event, cultural celebration or public program. You’ll take notes, speak with key people when appropriate, capture several quality photographs and write a clear, detailed article explaining what happened and why it matters.
We’re looking for someone who can make readers feel like they understand an event even if they weren’t there.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Attend assigned events, meetings and community activities throughout Mobile County.
- Take accurate notes and identify the most newsworthy information.
- Interview organizers, officials, business owners, community leaders and attendees when appropriate.
- Write clear, factual and engaging event recaps and community stories.
- Capture several publication-quality photographs using a camera or capable smartphone.
- Verify names, titles, dates, quotes and important factual details before submitting stories.
- Provide accurate photo captions and descriptions.
- Meet publication deadlines, generally within 24 hours of an assignment.
- Communicate with the UpLift Mobile editorial team before and after assignments.
- Identify and pitch interesting Mobile County stories when appropriate.
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong writing ability matters more to us than having a journalism degree.
The ideal candidate is curious, observant and comfortable walking into an unfamiliar event and determining who matters, what happened, what readers need to know and what questions should be asked.
Candidates should have:
- Strong writing and communication skills.
- Attention to factual accuracy and detail.
- Good news judgment and natural curiosity.
- Professional interviewing and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
- Basic photography skills.
- Reliable transportation throughout Mobile County.
- Flexibility for occasional evening and weekend assignments.
Experience with journalism, AP Style, WordPress, interviewing, local government, photography or community reporting is preferred but not required.
THE JOURNALIST WE’RE LOOKING FOR
We want someone who can go beyond:
“An event was held Saturday and several people attended.”
We’re looking for the journalist who notices the important announcement made halfway through the meeting, asks the follow-up question, gets the correct spelling of the speaker’s name, captures strong photographs and comes back with a story that tells readers:
What happened? Why did it happen? Why should Mobile care?
TYPES OF ASSIGNMENTS
Coverage may include:
- Community and neighborhood meetings
- Local government and civic affairs
- Business openings and entrepreneurship
- Arts, music and cultural events
- Education and youth programs
- Local sports
- Nonprofit and community initiatives
- Festivals and special events
- Profiles of interesting Mobilians
- Original community stories and features
HOW TO APPLY
Please submit:
- Resume or brief professional background
- Two writing samples
- Three to five photographs you’ve taken
- A short paragraph explaining why you’re interested in covering Mobile
Email applications to:
Subject: Community Journalist — [Your Name]
UpLift Mobile Community Through Communication
UpLift Mobile is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Job Types: Contract, Freelance
Pay: $30.00 - $50.00 per hour
Work Location: Remote
