Employment Opportunities with SPJ

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s largest and most broad-based membership association for journalists. We are dedicated to the preservation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. To accomplish this, SPJ hires smart, energetic individuals who are hell-bent on improving the Society’s offerings and operations while also making a name for themselves.

Jump to:
– Journalist on Call
– Part-Time Bookkeeper
– Development Manager

Journalist on Call

Reports to: Executive Director

Application Deadline: April 9, 2018, 5 p.m. ET

Basic Function

The Journalist on Call is the face of journalism to the public. This person leads the fight against those seeking to discredit a free press.

How we see the role

This is a new role for the Society of Professional Journalists, and as such we see this initial three-year position as a work in progress and as evolving.

This person’s primary focus would be outreach to the public, with a goal of explaining why journalism is important and rebuilding trust in the news media.

The point is not to talk to the public, but to talk with the public; help the public understand how journalism works. The selected person must be able to explain that the First Amendment and the Freedom of Information Act serve not just the interests of journalism, but of the public.

The Journalist on Call will be something of an ombudsman, helping journalists understand why the public doesn’t trust them and what they can do to re-earn a greater amount of trust. This is not just public relations for journalism, but an effort to engage in a respectful conversation among journalists and the public.

The person would start with a pilot project to prove the concept, working in a single community where low levels of trust in the local news media exists. The concept would then expand to other communities, a region and eventually nationally.

The person will not be in the community full-time. The Journalist on Call would develop an online component to extend his or her reach. He or she would also travel to journalism conventions, offer lesson plans on journalism aimed at non-journalists, or work with universities to create educational campaigns.

The Journalist on Call will need to build partnerships and find allies among journalism organizations and outside of the industry. Library associations, Rotary and other civic clubs, police associations and the such would be prime candidates.

Minimum Qualifications

– A journalism veteran with at least 10 years of newsroom experience (TV, radio, newspaper, digital).
– Passion for protecting the First Amendment, specifically as it relates to a free press.
– Smart, quick on the draw, able to pick things up quickly.
– Able to change direction quickly, not to chase bright shiny objects, but to recognize how quickly the journalism landscape changes.
– An organizer and team builder, because no one person can do everything we seek.
– Know how to delegate and how to refer to those (in and outside of SPJ) with specific expertise.
– Comfortable making media appearances.
– Promoter of diversity.
– Trustworthy.
– Both charismatic and humble.
– Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with a cross section of the public.
– Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
– Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
– Demonstrated ability to maintain accountability and to work independently and creatively, while functioning as part of a cooperative and coordinated team.
– Must be creative, able to generate ideas and be a self-starter.
– Must be responsible, dependable, well organized, logical and have high integrity.
– Fundraising experience a big plus.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, April 9, 2018.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and résumé to Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. Applications without the above requirements will not be accepted.

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Part-Time Bookkeeper

Application Deadline: April 9, 2018, 5 p.m. ET

The Society of Professional Journalists is the nation’s largest and most broad-based membership association for journalists. We are dedicated to the preservation of a free press as the cornerstone of our nation and our liberty. To accomplish this, SPJ hires smart, energetic individuals who are hell-bent on improving the Society’s offerings and operations while also making a name for themselves.

This entry-level position is the perfect fit for someone who seeks to grow within the finance world and contribute to a non-profit cause; who works well with others and can stay organized and focused during high-level multitasking.

This position is short-term (until August 2018) with the possibility of continued employment.

Complete details

Download a full rundown of the job — detailed responsibilities, qualifications and more — right here. [PDF]

What we’re looking for:

– Someone who has a background in accounting and financial record keeping.
– Someone who has meticulous attention to detail, and double checks (then checks again) their work.
– Someone who can handle data entry.
– Someone who is so organized, they know the birthdays and anniversaries of all their relatives.
– Someone who has experience with Quickbooks and database management software, spreadsheets, and a familiarity with Microsoft Office programs. iMIS software experience a plus.
– Someone who can move from task to task with cat-like nimbleness.
– Someone who gets along with just about anyone.
– Someone who embraces diversity.
– Someone who is inquisitive.
– Someone who has the ability to solve routine problems independently, can speak professionally via phone and can work well with others.
– Someone who cares deeply about the quality of their work.

Primary duties will include:

– Process all incoming cash receipts.
– Daily preparation for deposit and data entry of all incoming receipts and credit card transactions.
– Oversee input and maintenance of financial data (including dues, meetings, giving, and purchasing). Ensure that financial data is entered into membership management software and accounting software and is without error.
– Preparation and mailing of invoices to customers, related daily and monthly financial report processing and balancing.
– Collection of accounts receivable.
– Responsible for all out-going payments to vendors and chapters.
– Responsible for daily entry of all vendor invoices, weekly analysis of financial activity, and monthly account reconciliation.
– Assist with the yearly preparation of 1099(IRS) forms.
– Assists the Staff Accountant with annual audit and other financial reports as assigned.
– Assist with onboarding new bookkeeping clients, including but not limited to: determining accounting procedures and setting up new companies in Quickbooks.
– Work with volunteers and paid staff of SPJ (other journalism associations) to ensure finances are managed in accordance with various adopted processes and procedures.
– Other duties as assigned.
– Ability to climb a flight of stairs, sit for extended periods of time and minimal lifting on a regular basis.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, April 9, 2018.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and résumé to Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. Applications without the above requirements will not be accepted.

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Development Manager

Reports to: Executive Director

Application Deadline: April 9, 2018, 5 p.m. ET

We’re looking for a candidate to serve as our Development Manager. The full-time gig, based in Indianapolis, includes competitive salary, excellent benefits and paid leave. The Development Manager will oversee all aspects of fundraising for the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation (a 501c3 charity) and the Society of Professional Journalists (a 501c6 non-profit).

Complete details

Download a full rundown of the job — detailed responsibilities, qualifications and more — right here. [PDF]

Basic Function

The development manager oversees all fundraising activities, programs, projects and events that support the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation and Society of Professional Journalists. He or she works with the board and staff to develop, execute and evaluate strategic objectives as they relate to fundraising.

Responsibilities

– Helps create strategic development initiatives, in conjunction with the SDX Foundation and SPJ boards of directors.
– Plans, manages, executes and evaluates the overall development efforts of Society of Professional Journalists and Sigma Delta Chi Foundation; including but not limited to the annual Day of Giving, year-end appeal and smaller campaigns throughout the year.
– Works with education, membership and other staff to create cohesive campaigns and/or strategies that relate to the overarching strategic goals of the organization.
– Searches for, and researches, potential donors that may serve as major donors.
– Works to connect potential donors with appropriate volunteer leaders and/or staff.
– Develops messaging and marketing ideas for development activities.
– Maintains sections of website, with support of the webmaster, pertinent to all development efforts.
– Prepares and maintains a yearly schedule and timelines for development efforts.
– Provides staff assistance to volunteer Development Committee.
– Maintains systems for regular and meaningful recognition of grantors, donors and volunteers.
– Maintains a computer-based donor, grantor and prospect tracking system that will enhance development activities.
– Represents SDX Foundation and SPJ in public and private presentations for cultivation of development purposes as required.
– Maintains cordial, productive working relationships with other staff while adhering at all times to strict confidentiality of privileged management and donor information.
– Accepts other duties as assigned by the Executive Director consistent with the missions and goals of each organization.

Minimum Qualifications

– At least five years of experience.
– Passion for protecting the First Amendment, specifically as it relates to a free press.
– Demonstrated success in fundraising, specifically related to securing major gifts and yearly giving campaigns.
– Working knowledge of computer-based donor tracking systems (iMIS preferred).
– Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with a cross section of publics, including but not limited to the donor public, community and professional groups, volunteer boards and committees and staff.
– Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
– Demonstrated ability to work under pressure and to meet deadlines.
– Demonstrated ability to maintain accountability and to work independently and creatively, while functioning as part of a cooperative and coordinated team.
– Must be creative, able to generate ideas and be a self-starter.
– The ability to be discreet and to handle sensitive information
– Must be responsible, dependable, well organized, logical and have high integrity.
– Experience in grant writing preferred.
– Marketing experience, especially that which relates to digital development efforts, is preferred.

Physical Requirements

– Ability to ascend/descend stairs.
– Ability to lift 10-20 pounds occasionally.

Application deadline

Application deadline is 5 p.m. ET, April 9, 2018.

How to apply

Interested candidates should send a cover letter and résumé to Executive Director Alison Bethel McKenzie. Applications without the above requirements will not be accepted.

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