Classification & Regular Hours

Hours per Week: 35

Salary Grade: 13

About Western

Since 1878, Western University has been committed to serving our communities through the pursuit of academic excellence and by providing students, faculty, and community members with life-long opportunities for intellectual, social, and cultural growth.  We seek excellent students, faculty, and staff to join us in what has become known as the "Western Experience" - an opportunity to contribute to a better world through the development of new knowledge, new abilities, new connections, and new ways to make a difference.

About Us

The Western Communications team provides strategic advice to University senior leadership, faculty, staff and teams of internal and external communications staff across Western University in order to build the university’s brand and reputation on a local, national and global scale.

We are an award-winning team of strategic advisors, marketing and communications specialists, and experts in storytelling through great writing, design, videography, and digital and social engagement.
 

Responsibilities

We are seeking a talented writer and storyteller to join our editorial team as a Reporter for Western’s central news channel, Western News.
In this role, you will have the opportunity to create compelling news stories that highlight the diverse and impactful activities at Western. 

Reporting to the Managing Editor, you will cover a wide array of topics, including academic achievements, research breakthroughs, arts and culture, community engagement, campus life and in-depth profiles of students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Key responsibilities:

• Source and write captivating news stories aligned with Western’s strategic priorities
• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to gather information and quotes
• Research and verify facts to ensure accuracy and credibility
• Collaborate with Western Communications colleagues, and communications colleagues across campus, to develop story ideas and meet deadlines
• Develop relationships with sources including students, staff, faculty, alumni and leaders
• Source compelling visuals and multimedia materials to enhance your stories, including directing photo shoots, taking photos or video content, and considering other visual storytelling techniques
• Draft engaging social media posts to promote your stories on Western’s central social media channels
   

Qualifications

You have a strong background in journalism, superior writing and reporting skills, excellent news judgement, an eye for detail and a passion for unearthing and telling stories that matter. 

You have an undergraduate degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, with two years’ experience as a professional Reporter. 
You bring in-depth knowledge of theory and best practices in brand journalism, the principles of writing, including grammar, style and proofreading abilities with an excellent command of the English language and Canadian Press style.

You have the ability to collaborate with various stakeholders, juggle multiple priorities, consistently meet deadlines, work independently and maintain direction and focus through proactive planning and organized approaches to work.
 

Western Values Diversity

The University invites applications from all qualified individuals. Western is committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, members of racialized groups/visible minorities, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, and persons of any gender identity or gender expression.

Accommodations are available for applicants with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.  If you require accommodations for interviews or other meetings, please contact Human Resources or phone 519-661-2194.

Please Note:

Interested applicants are asked to visit https://recruit.uwo.ca for further information and to apply online referencing job #36117 by midnight on September 17, 2024.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those chosen for an interview will be contacted.