About Company
Ready to shape narratives that resonate deeply within our community? Hiring.zycto is a rapidly expanding content hub, passionately dedicated to unearthing compelling local stories and delivering them across diverse platforms. We empower our journalists to explore, investigate, and captivate audiences with integrity and innovation. Here, your voice will find a powerful stage, fostering professional growth in a collaborative and forward-thinking environment. If you’re driven by impact and thrive on bringing vital information to life, you’ll discover an unparalleled opportunity to excel with us.
Job Description
We are seeking a dynamic and versatile Journalist to join our thriving team, focusing on both print and online platforms within the vibrant Moss Side community and wider Manchester area. This role is perfect for a storytelling enthusiast with a keen eye for detail, a commitment to factual reporting, and a passion for connecting with local audiences. You will be instrumental in generating compelling news, features, and investigative pieces that inform, engage, and reflect the diverse experiences of our readership. From breaking news to in-depth analysis, your work will span across various topics including local government, community events, arts, culture, and social issues. This position demands proactive engagement with sources, excellent interviewing skills, and the ability to adapt content for different mediums while maintaining accuracy and journalistic integrity. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment, are eager to make a tangible impact, and possess a strong ethical compass, we invite you to contribute your talent to our growing editorial team. This is more than just a reporting job; it’s an opportunity to be at the heart of community dialogue, shaping perceptions and fostering understanding through powerful journalism.
Key Responsibilities
- Research, write, and edit engaging news stories, features, and opinion pieces for both print publications and our digital platforms.
- Conduct interviews with diverse sources, including community leaders, residents, and experts, ensuring accuracy and balance in reporting.
- Investigate leads, uncover unique stories, and develop original content ideas relevant to the Moss Side and Manchester audience.
- Adapt writing style and content presentation to suit different formats, including short-form digital updates and longer-form print features.
- Utilise multimedia elements (photos, videos, audio) effectively for online storytelling.
- Monitor local news, current events, and social media trends to identify emerging stories and public interest topics.
- Collaborate closely with editors, photographers, and other team members to produce high-quality, impactful content.
- Adhere strictly to journalistic ethics, legal guidelines, and company editorial policies.
- Participate in community events and meetings to build contacts and gather first-hand information.
- Meet tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and high editorial standards.
Required Skills
- Proven experience as a Journalist, Reporter, or similar role with a portfolio demonstrating versatility across print and online mediums.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills in English.
- Strong interviewing and investigative reporting abilities.
- Proficiency in content management systems (CMS) and digital publishing tools.
- Solid understanding of journalistic ethics and media law.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
- Excellent time management and organisational skills, with the capacity to manage multiple deadlines.
- Keen interest in local community issues and current affairs in Manchester.
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related field.
- Experience with multimedia storytelling, including basic photo and video editing.
- Familiarity with SEO best practices for online content.
- Active presence on social media with an understanding of its role in news dissemination and engagement.
- Previous experience covering local government or specific beats within a community.
Perks & Benefits
- Competitive salary package and performance-based incentives.
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- A vibrant and supportive work environment within a forward-thinking media organisation.
- Access to state-of-the-art reporting tools and resources.
- Pension scheme contributions.
- Employee assistance program for well-being support.
- Discounted local gym memberships and community perks.
How to Apply
Eager to tell the stories that matter? Please click the application link below to submit your CV and a compelling cover letter outlining your experience, passion for local journalism, and why you believe you are the ideal candidate for this role. Include links to your portfolio or three relevant writing samples.