FWS Writer for MIU News- Fall 2025

Position Summary:

Writers for MIU News will seek out potential stories gather information take photos where relevant get the appropriate permissions draft the stories and submit them to the editor for review. Once approved they would post the stories to the MIU News site. Responsibilities may also include maintaining the events page meaning keeping the page up to date with all relevant information photos or other images and appropriate links to further information.

Students this Position Appeals to:

Students in any major who enjoy and are skilled in writing and wish to use their skills to inform and inspire the MIU campus community through MIU News.

Experience Gained / Advantages for Student:

MIU is a dynamic institution of higher learning with a great deal of newsworthy activities and achievements and countless interesting people worthy of news profiles. MIU News can help build community increase student enrollment and retention enhance community spirit support staff and faculty recruiting and retention and more.

Communication Skills Development: Gain expertise in news and feature writing effective information gathering and mastering interview techniques. This role also provides opportunities to enhance visual storytelling skills through photography.

Digital Publishing Proficiency: Learn or further develop knowledge of basic page layout in WordPress a widely used platform in the digital publishing industry. This hands-on experience will be valuable in various professional settings.

Transferable Skills Acquisition: Build a diverse skill set but also gain practical experience that is highly transferable and beneficial for their future academic and professional endeavors. Develop strong written verbal and visual communication abilities that apply to journalism marketing public relations and digital media careers.

Job Responsibilities:

1. Story Development: Proactively seek out compelling and relevant stories for MIU News by identifying potential story angles and conducting thorough research to gather comprehensive information.
2. Information Gathering: Conduct personal interviews with key sources to gather firsthand information and insights. Utilize a variety of other sources as necessary to collect relevant data.
3. Photography and Media Management: Capture high-quality photographs that complement and enhance the written content. Ensure proper permissions and releases are obtained from individuals interviewed or photographed.
4. Content Creation: Draft well-crafted and engaging news stories based on gathered information and interviews.
5. Editorial Collaboration: Collaborate with the editor to refine and finalize stories for publication incorporating feedback and making necessary revisions. Participate in meetings to discuss story ideas progress and feedback.
6. Digital Publishing and Platform Management: Utilize MIU Newss WordPress platform to format edit and post completed stories for publication ensuring content is optimized for online readership.

Job Qualifications:

1. Demonstrated experience in writing preferably in a journalistic or related field. Formal training in writing journalism or communication is ideal but not required.
2. Genuine enthusiasm for sharing news at MIU with a passion for storytelling.
3. Excellent verbal and written communication skills including active listening and clear articulation of ideas.
4. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage effectively with a diverse range of individuals especially during interviews.
5. Willingness and ability to work collaboratively with an editor and other team members. Openness to receiving constructive feedback and making revisions to improve quality of work.
6. Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage tasks priorities and deadlines effectively/
7. Attention to detail and accuracy in research writing and content creation.
8. Initiative to take ownership of projects contribute ideas and seek out opportunities.
9. Basic understanding of digital media tools including WordPress or willingness to learn.

Location: On Campus

Supervisor: Craig Pearson

Craig Pearson has been an integral part of MIUs writing and communication sphere for many years. Upon his arrival he immersed himself in various roles that significantly impacted the universitys academic and literacy landscape.