Job Opportunity: 2 Summer Internships, The Discourse

The Discourse is looking for two emerging journalists to join our team for paid summer internships. These positions are funded in part through Canada Summer Jobs, so you must be between 15 to 30 years old and eligible to work in Canada. International students are not eligible for the funding.

The Discourse is committed to in-depth, community-driven and solutions-focused journalism. We are a collaborative women-led organization that is trying to shake up typical newsroom dynamics to contribute to a more equitable democracy.

Our newsroom is largely virtual, and we will consider candidates located anywhere in Canada, with preference to those in British Columbia. That said, our journalism primarily serves the West Shore, Cowichan and Snuneymuxw/Nanaimo regions of Vancouver Island, on Coast Salish and Nuu-chah-nulth territories. Preference will be given to those located in or with strong ties to those areas. Candidates looking for on-the-ground reporting experience, or who wish to contribute photography or videography, may prefer to spend all or part of the job period physically in the region we serve.

The details:

• Each position is funded for eight weeks at 35 hours per week and $19 per hour, with total compensation at $5,320. It may be possible to work fewer hours per week over a longer period, if desired. The start and end dates are flexible.
• Applications are due Friday, May 7 at 5 p.m. Pacific time. 
• We are committed to building a more equitable media industry. We encourage candidates with a range of perspectives, abilities, backgrounds and experience to apply, and especially encourage First Nations, Métis and Inuit applicants, persons of colour, persons with disabilities and those who identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community.

We’re looking for people who:

• Believe in our values and mission. You are passionate about shaping the future of independent community media in Canada.
• Want to listen. You are curious and willing to listen to a range of people about what issues matter to them. You like to put yourself out there, host events, build community and invite people to meaningfully contribute to the reporting process.
• Can produce and edit great content. You have a voice, you can write and edit quickly, you can upload content to a website and you’re into social media, video and photography. You can distill complexity to make it understandable to a wide audience. You know how to submit a clean, polished story. You’re still working on these skills, and you’re eager to accept feedback, learn and grow.
• Are committed to accuracy. You are a meticulous fact-checker who understands the importance of using primary sources, lived experiences and various experts to get it right. You question data and information when you get it — no matter who it comes from — and are able to show your process.
• Are creative and innovative. You love experimenting, testing, and learning. You’re willing to try things outside of your comfort zone and understand failure as part of the learning process. You enjoy doing a variety of tasks and can prioritize.
• Are a team player. We want to work with people who are excited to challenge some of journalism’s established structures and work towards creating a positive work culture.

The Discourse is a learning organization with a commitment to training and developing the talents of young journalists. For the right candidate, we can train for the skills needed to succeed in this position. The following skills and experience are strong assets for this position:

• Connections to the West Shore, Cowichan and/or Nanaimo regions or neighbouring areas. Membership in or connections to First Nations in those areas is particularly valued: Nanoose, Snuneymuxw, Stz’uminus, Lyackson, Penelakut, Halalt, Cowichan, Ts’uubaa-asatx, Malahat, Esquimalt, T’Sou-ke, Songhees, Sc’ianew, Pacheedaht, Ditidaht and their relations.
• Experience in research, freedom-of-information requests, data analysis and visualization, interviewing, writing, copy-editing, fact-checking, social media, newsletters, photography, videography, and audio.
• Experience in audience development, community engagement and event planning.
• We regularly use Slack, Mailchimp, WordPress, Google Drive, Google Docs, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. You don’t need to know all these platforms, but you need to be willing to learn.

Please send a resume and cover letter (see below) to jacqueline@thediscourse.ca by Friday, May 7 at 5 p.m. Pacific time.

The Discourse’s work is deeply rooted in the communities we serve. Please make a case in your cover letter for how you intend to add value to this work. This is especially important for applicants who wish to work remotely. What skills and connections do you have that will help us fill gaps in coverage and reach new people in the diverse communities we serve? Do you have experience building trust and relationships from afar? Do you have skills — data skills, social media skills, etc. — that will help us tell stories and reach people in new ways? Tell us!

We’d like to hear from as many people as possible. If you’re not sure if you qualify, email jacqueline@thediscourse.ca. I’d be happy to chat with you and learn more about your experience. If a friend or family member has told you you should apply for this job, trust them and do it!