Reporter

Shtetl is a new independent non-profit media outlet covering the ultra-Orthodox/Haredi community of New York and beyond. Shtetl covers issues in the Haredi community that matter to the community and to New Yorkers in general. Our mission is to report honestly and accurately on the Haredi community, to be a source of truthful and illuminating information that can inform the people and hold the powerful accountable. 

‍

Shtetl is seeking to hire a full-time reporter as part of our team of talented journalists. Join the team to do unique, groundbreaking reporting on a community of a quarter of a million people that currently receives little independent coverage.

‍

Ideal candidates would have a good understanding of the Haredi community and excellent writing and journalistic skills. It is a great opportunity for individuals with a passion for independent media, politics, and the Orthodox Jewish world. 

‍

You will work closely with the Editor-in-Chief and Managing Editor as part of a team, to shape reporting beats, specific articles, and ways of connecting the community to its own news. Your responsibilities will include:

‍

• Uncovering tips/leads for newsworthy stories relevant to or about the Haredi community
• Pursuing details on promising leads and seeking comment from relevant figures
• Pursuing and prioritizing breaking news as it unfolds, including being “on the ground” when possible
• Pitching story ideas to editors, and helping to choose the most promising ones
• Taking tips from editors and following up with sources for story development
• Developing ties to community figures, including rabbis, activists, and elected officials
• Maintaining ties with everyday Haredim, cultivating sources of information
• Visiting Haredi synagogues, yeshivas, and public gatherings for reporting on notable events
• Keeping abreast of meetings between Haredi leaders and elected officials
• Visiting Haredi neighborhoods to maintain awareness of general goings-on
• Keeping close tabs on all Haredi media
• Developing and maintaining knowledge of various Haredi subgroups and their leaders, being able to identify primary differences between groups
• Being familiar with and regularly visiting Haredi neighborhoods (especially in the Tri-state Area)
• Being proactive about uncovering controversial events as they unfold, and seeking out sources to speak both on and off the record.
• Being able to quickly draft news stories and file them, especially breaking news

Prerequisites:

• Applicants should be ambitious, self-driven, bold, and motivated
• Applicants must speak and write English fluently
• Applicants must have previous publishing credits (preferably in journalism) 
• Applicants must reside in or near NYC and be willing to travel to various press events across New York

Experience:

• Prior journalism experience is required
• Must be familiar with the ultra-Orthodox/Haredi Jewish community

Additional criteria: 

The following are not required, but will enhance a candidate’s application:

• Experience with city, county, and state politics involving major Haredi populations 
• Familiarity with contemporary Yiddish a big plus (especially reading ability) 

60-70k, commensurate with experience and compatibility

401k, Health Insurance, Generous PTO policy,

‍

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples/clips to careers@shtetl.org.