Communications Writer

As a Communications Writer at AT WILL MEDIA, your main responsibilities include identifying original non-fiction stories that can be transformed into engaging podcasts or longform journalism pieces. You'll work to mine existing intellectual property for ideas, conduct thorough research, and collaborate closely with our Development Team to pitch and develop these ideas. Your expertise in crafting narrative story arcs and summarizing complex concepts into clear, concise formats will be key to your success in this role.

To qualify for the Communications Writer position at AT WILL MEDIA, you should hold a B.A. or B.S. degree, ideally in English, Journalism, Film Production, Screenwriting, or Communications. A minimum of three years of reporting experience is required, along with excellent research and writing skills that will allow you to create compelling narratives. Your ability to connect with sources and distill complex stories into concise summaries will also be crucial.

As a Communications Writer at AT WILL MEDIA, showcasing your storytelling skills is vital. Consider sharing links to three previous pieces of work that display your ability to create narrative arcs, conduct thorough research, and engage audiences effectively. Your experience in developing original content that sparks interest and discussion will help illustrate your capabilities in this role.

The Communications Writer position at AT WILL MEDIA offers a competitive compensation of $1,000 per week for a commitment of 25 hours each week, over a total of six weeks. This allows for a focused yet flexible schedule as you dive into the exciting world of non-fiction storytelling and collaborate with a creative team passionate about impactful narratives.

AT WILL MEDIA is highly regarded for its successful projects such as the docuseries podcast WILD THINGS: SIEGFRIED & ROY on Apple TV+ and THE TYLENOL MURDERS in partnership with The Chicago Tribune. They also just launched ACADEMY, a co-production with Wondery. Your contributions as a Communications Writer can play an integral role in the continuation of this innovative storytelling.

When answering this question, draw upon specific examples where you successfully identified a compelling narrative and executed it in your work. Highlight your role in the research process, how you connected with sources, and the impact your story had on your audience.

Share your methodology for mining existing materials, such as articles and essays, for compelling ideas. Discuss how you evaluate a story's potential and the steps you take to refine it into a narrative that resonates with an audience. It's also beneficial to mention any tools or frameworks you use for this process.

Discuss the comprehensive research strategies you've employed in the past, including how you gather information, verify sources, and synthesize data into a coherent narrative. Emphasize your attention to detail and your commitment to accuracy, which is paramount in journalism.

Talk about a time when you received constructive criticism on a draft and how you incorporated that feedback to enhance your work. Highlight your willingness to revise and collaborate, as these qualities are crucial for a Communications Writer looking to grow and perfect their storytelling.

This is your chance to express your passion for storytelling and why you admire AT WILL MEDIA's projects. Mention how the company’s commitment to high-quality narratives aligns with your professional values. Your enthusiasm for their past works will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

Provide a situation where you faced obstacles while developing a story, whether it was sourcing information or meeting tight deadlines. Highlight how you navigated those challenges and what the final outcome was, showcasing your problem-solving skills.

Emphasize the importance of building genuine relationships with sources as part of your storytelling process. Discuss specific techniques you’ve used, such as active listening and following up after the initial connection, to ensure you get the most honest and valuable insights.

Discuss your organizational skills and techniques like setting deadlines, using project management tools, and prioritizing tasks based on project timelines and goals. Highlight your ability to stay flexible while ensuring that all projects receive the attention they deserve.

Share your enthusiasm for non-fiction narratives by highlighting particular stories or podcasts that have inspired you. Discuss what elements of those stories resonate with you, and how they influence your approach to storytelling as a Communications Writer.

Articulate your strengths and interests as they relate to the role, such as your dedication to uncovering unique stories or your knack for thorough research. Explain how you believe your contributions can enhance AT WILL MEDIA’s mission while also allowing you to grow in your writing career.