What are the responsibilities and job description for the Staff Writer position at Veterans Of Foreign Wars Of The United States?
NATURE OF WORK:
This is an entry-level position that assists in the creation of VFW magazine, Checkpoint and all other Publications Department materials. Helps in the production of VFW magazine by assisting art director with corrections prior to printing. The Staff Writer will research and write articles.
TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
Magazine and Special Projects
- Writes magazine features.
- Writes monthly VFW in Action and Vets in Focus columns.
- Covers all internal VFW programs such as VFWs Sport Clips Help A Hero Scholarship.
- Edits and proofreads all magazine articles.
- Takes photos as-needed.
- Makes corrections on-screen via InDesign to magazine articles during editing process.
- Performs fact-checking.
- Conducts research.
Checkpoint
- Writes news stories on VFW programs for 12 issues of Checkpoint.
- Conducts interviews and obtains photos.
- Edits and proofreads all Checkpoint articles.
Other Duties
- Coordinates all aspects of National Publications Contest, including organizing entries, filing paperwork for judges payments and ordering/mailing winning plaques.
- Conducts interviews and writes/edits copy for VFW Annual Report.
- Writes and edits copy for the annual VFW Convention Program.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:
- Bachelors degree in journalism. In lieu of a bachelors degree, military and civilian experience in a similar position will be considered.
- InDesign experience is required for this position.
- Prior military service preferred but not required.
- Mastery of principles and all facets of disciplineproven and demonstrated writing, editing, reporting and researching skills.
- Precise knowledge of the written word: grammar, punctuation and AP Style.
- Ability to use various computer software, including Microsoft Word and Excelas well as PowerPoint.
- Manual dexterity, attention to detail and ability to work independently.
- Capacity to meet multiple, simultaneous short-term deadlines under pressure.
- Possesses appropriate personality traitsinitiative, outgoing, sociable, enthusiastic and energeticfor working with co-workers, members and general public.
- Understanding of social media world.
SCOPE OF POSITION:
- Reports to editor-in-chief.
- FLSA exempt position.
- Typical contacts are with the entire magazine staff, as well as readers/members.
- Works independently without daily supervision by prioritizing own work
WORKING CONDIITONS:
- Normal office environment.
- Requires typing, sitting, standing, walking, speaking, hearing and lifting.
- Requires problem-solving, reasoning, reading and writing.
- Requires some travel to assignments to cover VFW events and research stories. This could include weekends and holidays.
MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:
- Contributes to editorial content of publications.
- Contributes to magazine and other publication deadlines being met.
- Maintains flow of information to readers.
- Provides essential services to members through communication of vital information.
The above duties are general in nature and are not intended to reflect all of the duties which may be required of the incumbent.
If not already listed as a requirement for the position, all employees (if eligible) are encouraged to become members of the VFW. If ineligible for VFW membership, employees (if eligible) are encouraged to join the VFW Auxiliary. Additionally, all employees are encouraged to actively promote the benefits of membership into the VFW and VFW Auxiliary to others that qualify.
The VFW offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience, along with a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
Relocation allowance is not available.
