Wanted: Asst Coordinator

Our current assistant coordinator will be graduating in May which means that it’s time for the Teen Appeal to seek new candidates.

This exciting and rewarding position offers an experienced journalist the opportunity to earn his or her master’s degree in journalism while working with talented Memphis youth. In addition to tuition, the assistant coordinator receives a $7,000 yearly stipend.

The Job: The new assistant coordinator will work our week-long summer camp in late July/early August and begin working 20 hours a week in mid-August. The job requires an undergraduate degree in journalism, strong editing skills, experience working at a campus or professional newspaper, plus experience in layout/design. The program operates in an unique partnership with the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Commercial Appeal, and Shelby County Schools. The program began in 1997, due to the lack of journalism programs and scholastic journalism opportunities in the majority of Memphis high schools.

Many of our students come from lower-income households, and our program has aided many alumni in reaching prestigious positions in journalism and other fields.

Some of our past assistant coordinators have used this position to research the habits of this demographic group, one that is critical to the future of news and newspapers. Scholastic journalism is an important tool for students to learn civic engagement, critical thinking skills, analytic skills, and to increase their written aptitude.

Additional Skills Sought: We would strongly prefer a hire with digital skills such as social media, web production, and multimedia. Graphic design skills are a big plus. We want our digital offerings to shine.

How to Apply: Send a cover letter, curriculum vitae or resume, and three writing samples to Elle Perry, Teen Appeal coordinator, University of Memphis Department of Journalism, llperry@memphis.edu. Potential candidates will also need to go through the normal University of Memphis graduate school application process. (See https://umdrive.memphis.edu/g-journalism/grad.html for more information on the program or contact graduate coordinator Dr. Rick Fischer at rfischer@memphis.edu.)

Additional Questions? E-mail llperry@memphis.edu or call (901) 678-4710.

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