We’re looking for a journalist-at-large who writes beautiful, engaging stories. Someone who understands the importance of people and place-led narratives, with a strong track record of identifying and delivering brilliant journalism.

As our 2021/22 journalist-at-large you will have a year to discover and report from the frontline of community power, and the opportunity to talk to people driving change in 150 areas across England. You’ll be expected to draw inspiration from their stories to write high quality articles and features, as well as online content, placing the experiences of people and places into the context of our changing social and political landscape at an undoubtedly crucial time.

We want you to uncover the stories of people who may have been overlooked by the media and mainstream narratives. Big Local is made up of a diverse range of people living in places that all have their own histories, intricacies and character, and part of your job as our journalist-at-large will be to help amplify their voices to paint a picture of their communities and experiences to a wider audience.

With the national conversation around the role and importance of communities and community power continually developing we anticipate strong interest in the pieces you will be writing. Placing stories in national, well-known, mainstream publications will be expected, but you will also be encouraged to think creatively about how the stories of the communities you meet and speak to can best be shared with different audiences.

You will work with Local Trust and Big Local areas to get maximum value from the considered and thoughtful content you create, reaching thinkers and policy influencers.

About You

You’ll be passionate about social change, be able to understand and connect with a wide range of different people, and capable of self-management over the 12-month residency. You will bring with you a wealth of contacts and experience producing features for well-known media outlets.

We’ll provide £40K, dependent on experience, plus reasonable travel and accommodation expenses to support you. We’ll also provide you with an endless source of fantastic people, amazing places and great stories which will inspire you to contribute to the growing national conversation about the power of communities.

Essential

• At least six years’ experience as a published writer, journalist or broadcaster.
• A keen and passionate sense of what makes a brilliant story.
• Strong track record of published and/or online content for national media outlets.
• Strong understanding of national and trade media, and proven ability to sell and place stories with them.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience of working with communities and/or non-professional interviewees.
• Experience of successfully pitching pieces in national publications
• Self-starter, able to work without direct line management and meet targets and deadlines.
• Willingness to travel and work away from home where necessary.
• A love of both storytelling and talking to the people who share their stories with you.

Desirable

• Track record of relevant published content on social/economic/community issues.
• Ability/willingness and experience of sharing skills with others.
• Ability to take publication-quality photographs.

To Apply

To respond to this brief, please write to Jessie Powell at jessie.powell@localtrust.org.uk providing:

• an up-to-date CV
• a covering letter demonstrating your suitability for and interest in the role
• any work examples you feel are relevant.

Please mention Journo Resources when applying, it really helps us out.