Palo Alto staff writer

As a Staff Writer at the Palo Alto Weekly, you'll take on a variety of responsibilities including establishing relationships with sources, pitching and writing compelling stories, and covering both spot news and in-depth community issues. You'll be involved in reporting on education and general assignments, as well as engaging in enterprise reporting that sheds light on significant local social trends.

To qualify for the Staff Writer position at Palo Alto Online, candidates should possess a bachelor's degree and have at least two years of professional reporting experience. A deep understanding of AP Style, exceptional communication skills, and organizational capabilities are crucial for success. Additionally, fluency in Spanish and familiarity with the Palo Alto area are advantageous.

The Staff Writer at the Palo Alto Weekly engages with the community by reporting on local news and events, seeking reader feedback, and providing updates through social media. They will also participate in community forums and events, allowing them to connect directly with residents and understand their concerns.

As a Staff Writer at the Palo Alto Weekly, you can expect a competitive hourly wage ranging from $21 to $27 based on your experience. In addition to this compensation, you'll receive health and dental benefits, vacation days, paid holidays, and access to the organization's 403(b) retirement plan.

The Staff Writer at Palo Alto Online will cover a wide range of stories including education topics, community spot news, and in-depth enterprise stories that reveal local social trends and issues. This role also involves evolving content to include online video reporting, enhancing the storytelling experience.

When pitching a story, I begin by researching the topic to understand its relevance to the community. I then outline the story's angles, potential sources, and how it aligns with our readership's interests. Presenting the pitch clearly and confidently helps communicate its significance.

I stay updated on local issues by reading local publications, engaging with community members on social media, and attending relevant events. Networking with sources also provides valuable insights into ongoing community concerns and developments.

My experience with investigative reporting includes filing Public Records Act requests and conducting in-depth interviews. I prioritize thorough research and aim to provide a comprehensive view of issues, ensuring that my reporting is both accurate and enlightening for readers.

I thrive under pressure and prioritize organization when facing tight deadlines. I create a clear plan outlining the essential elements of the story, ensuring that I can gather the necessary information quickly while keeping communication open with my editor.

Certainly! One successful story I wrote involved investigating local education policy changes. By interviewing stakeholders and analyzing data, I provided a comprehensive view that resonated with readers and sparked conversations in the community.

For effective storytelling, I focus on the human aspect and connect facts to personal narratives. I also utilize strong visuals and concise summaries to ensure the story is engaging and easily digestible for the audience.

I leverage social media to not only share and promote my stories but also to engage with readers. I monitor feedback, answer questions, and use these platforms to gather insights or tips for potential stories from the community.

Collaboration with visual journalists is vital in enhancing a story’s impact. By working together on visuals, we can create a more compelling narrative that draws readers in and keeps them engaged with the content.

Community feedback is crucial; it guides my understanding of what matters most to readers. I actively encourage this feedback that often leads to uncovering new stories, ensuring that my reporting reflects and serves the community effectively.

When faced with multiple assignments, I prioritize based on relevance, urgency, and community impact. Communicating with my editor and regularly reviewing reader interests helps streamline this process, ensuring that my focus aligns with audience needs.