The Sputnik Hiring 2021-2022

Laurier Brantford’s official, student-run newspaper, The Sputnik, is currently looking to hire students for Editorial Board and Senior Staff positions for the 2020-2022 academic year.

If you’re interested in student journalism, photography, web or graphic design, social media coordination, or student media, and want to make next year The Sputnik‘s best yet, make sure you get involved!

How to Apply


The preliminary application process will close on Friday, April 9 @ 5:00 p.m. Hiring will re-open after this period, at which point the application process will be ongoing for vacant positions.

If this sounds like the type of volunteer position you’d like to contribute to, please send an email to eic@thesputnik.ca with the following requirements:

    • Subject line “The Sputnik Application: [Insert Position Title]”
    • A resume (.pdf is preferred) detailing experience relevant to the position
    • A brief cover letter regarding your interest in the position and what you feel you could bring to the publication

Thank you for your interest in joining The Sputnik‘s team! As applications are on an ongoing basis, and due to the high number of applications, only successful applicants will be contacted for a follow-up interview.

Available Positions


NOW HIRING: WEB DIRECTOR

The Web Director requires good time management skills, strong leadership and the ability to work with a team. Their general practice is to upload content and enhance its readability by adding multimedia facets and promote The Sputnik through the use of social media. This position requires the individual to be self-motivated and respectful of deadlines. They must also:

    • Ensure that all print content is uploaded to the website ensuring the content reflects what is in print unless otherwise noted
    • Ensure the proper layout of web content
    • Continuously work to improve the design of The Sputnik website in order for it to be user-friendly
    • Monitor and mentor the Video Editor and their volunteers and monitor the visual layout of the website and suggest changes when necessary
    • Collaborate with section editors and directors to develop web-exclusive content that either complements or is unique to the coverage in the print edition
    • Understand the basics of reporting so they can act as the “reporter” for videos when a writer or editor is unable to perform their duties
    • Have knowledge or willingness to construct interactive multimedia tools and online graphics such as Storify, ScribbleLive and other interactive websites/tools
    • Work with section editors and photographers to get breaking news covered immediately for the website
    • Be accessible to all Sputnik staff and maintain open communication
    • Show proficiency in social media, including but not limited to Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and WordPress
    • Evaluate web content and monitor statistics (page views, clicks, retweets, etc.), report and track successes and share trends to improve overall web publishing
    • Attend editorial board meetings and meetings with the Editor-in-Chief
    • Assist in planning and administering training for Sputnik staff and/or volunteers
    • Utilize social media to share and communicate with readers and contacts about The Sputnik’s coverage throughout the week
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the Web Director is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and
      professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the director may be held liable

NOW HIRING: DESIGN MANAGER

The role of the Design Manager (or Creative Director) is to contribute to the overall design of the newspaper by collaborating and planning with members of the editorial board. This position requires creativity and innovation, strong leadership and the ability to work with a team. They should be respectful of deadlines. They must also:

    • Convey an understanding of how The Sputnik operates and have experience in design
    • Work a minimum of 7 hours per week in the office on Sputnik-related items, including production
    • Work with section editors to plan the design of their layout at the beginning of and throughout production
    • Monitor the visual layout of all pages to ensure consistency and avoid redundancy
    • Work with the Editor-in-Chief to design cover
    • Help develop production materials, such as InDesign library items and paragraph styles regarding Sputnik style
    • Ensure that all photos and graphics are edited properly for the website at the end of the production cycle
    • Act as a mentor for the Photo and Graphics Editors
    • Lay out any section of The Sputnik in the event of a section editor’s absence
    • Be accessible to all Sputnik staff and maintain open communication
    • Attend editorial board meetings and meetings with the Editor-in-Chief
    • Assist in planning and administering training for Sputnik staff and/or volunteers
    • As this position does not necessarily give reason for the manager to be in the office outside of production and meetings, it is encouraged that the director communicates with the staff when they will be in and out of the office
    • Utilize social media to share and communicate with readers and contacts about The Sputnik’s coverage
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the manager is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the manager may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide any two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


NOW HIRING: NEWS EDITOR

The News Editor is expected to have strong time management skills, exhibit comfort in interviews, be very organized and be diligent in ensuring their work is factually correct. Due to the nature of the sections, it is preferable that the News Editors are able to work comfortably in high-stress, unexpected, or reactive situations. They must also:

    • Oversee an Assistant News Editor and Lead Reporter, and work with them to hone their skills
    • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
    • Contribute a minimum of one editorial per year
    • Develop content ideas for the section and submit them to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline
    • Be consistently up-to-date with the issues, concerns and events occurring within the respective field of coverage
    • Be well versed in the issues, concerns and events of the respective section
    • Hold bi-weekly section meetings with volunteers and distribute content ensuring everything is covered
    • Receive stories from volunteers, edit them for structure, content and CP style
    • Submit all stories to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline, unless otherwise negotiated
    • Be prepared to cover last-minute stories during production nights (traditionally a Monday and Tuesday)
    • Place visual requests for all stories in a proper timely fashion
    • Collaborate with the Design Manager to lay out section
    • Contribute no less than one video idea per month; plan and execute them with the help of the Video Editor and Web Director
    • Dedicate equal time to planning and executing web-exclusive content and visuals
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that are, preferably, news-related, or contain interviews.


NOW HIRING: ASSISTANT NEWS EDITOR

The Assistant News Editor is required to exhibit strong writing skills in news. They should be able to write multiple stories within one to two days, and thus are required to have good time management, confidence in interviewing, and diligence to ensure their work is factually correct. Due to the nature of the sections, it is preferable that the Assistant News Editor is able to work comfortably in high-stress, unexpected, or reactive situations. The Assistant News Editor is expected to shadow the News Editor, and learn their role, in preparation for succession. They must also:

    • Develop content ideas for the section and submit them to the News Editor on a set deadline
    • Be consistently up-to-date with the issues, concerns and events occurring within the respective field of coverage
    • Submit all stories to the News Editor on a set deadline, unless otherwise negotiated
    • Be prepared to cover last-minute stories for the News Editor during production nights (traditionally a Monday and Tuesday)
    • Work with the News Editor to hone journalistic skills, as well as design skills through the usage of Adobe InDesign
    • Be well versed in the issues, concerns and events of the respective section
    • Assist in coverage during special events such as elections
    • Assist in coverage of Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU) Board of Director meetings, when held on the Brantford campus
    • Contribute at least two stories each month
    • Utilize social media, such as Twitter, in their coverage
    • Attend bi-monthly All-Sputnik meeting
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the assistant editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the assistant editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that are, preferably, news-related, or contain interviews.


NOW HIRING: LEAD REPORTER

The Lead Reporter is required to exhibit strong writing skills in news. They should be able to write multiple stories within one to two days, and thus are required to have good time management, confidence in interviewing, and diligence to ensure their work is factually correct. Due to the nature of the sections, it is preferable that the Lead Reporter is able to work comfortably in high-stress, unexpected, or reactive situations. They must also:

    • Cover last-minute stories for the respective section editor
    • Assist in coverage during special events such as elections
    • Assist in coverage of Wilfrid Laurier University Students’ Union (WLUSU) Board of Director meetings, when held on the Brantford campus
    • Contribute at least two stories each month
    • Be responsible for compiling the answers for “Thoughts in Orbit” with the Lead Photographer on a monthly basis
    • Utilize social media, such as Twitter, in their coverage
    • Attend bi-monthly All-Sputnik meeting
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the reporter is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that are, preferably, news-related, or contain interviews.


NOW HIRING: ARTS & CULTURE EDITOR

The Arts and Culture Editor is expected to have thorough knowledge of their field, present strong time management skills, and exhibit comfort in conducting interviews. They must be organized and diligent in ensuring their work is factually correct. They must also:

    • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
    • Contribute a minimum of one editorial per year
    • Be consistently up-to-date with the issues, concerns and events occurring within the respective field of coverage
    • Develop content ideas for the section and submit them to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline
    • Hold bi-weekly section meetings with volunteers and distribute content ensuring everything is covered
    • Cover stories that aren’t taken by volunteers
    • Receive stories from volunteers, edit them structure, content and CP Style
    • Submit all stories to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline, unless otherwise negotiated
    • Place visual requests for all stories in a proper timely fashion
    • Collaborate with the Design Manager to lay out section
    • Contribute no less than one video idea per month; plan and execute them with the help of the Video Editor and Web Director
    • Dedicate equal time to planning and executing web-exclusive content and visuals
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that, preferably, contain interviews.


NOW HIRING: OPINION EDITOR

The Opinion Editor must be diligent in fact-checking, be knowledgeable of a range of current events and be able to understand and

argue opinions that are different from their own. They should be engaged with other sections and editors to be aware of the coverage throughout The Sputnik that can inspire columns. They must also:

    • Write an Unsigned Editor when appropriate, after consulting the editorial board for topics and opinions
    • Ensure an editor is writing an editorial piece monthly, or if no one covers it, write it themselves
    • Assist in recruiting, hiring and training of columnists
    • Develop content ideas for the section and submit them to the Editor-in-Chief on deadline unless otherwise negotiated
    • Place visual requests for any columns in a proper timely fashion
    • Hold bi-monthly section meetings with volunteers and distribute content ensuring everything is covered
    • Either write or find alternative contributions for columns if columnists are unavailable
    • Receive stories from columnists, edit them structure, content and CP Style
    • Are encouraged to brainstorm video ideas where applicable; plan and execute them with the help of the Video Editor and Web Director
    • Dedicate equal time to planning and executing web-exclusive content and visuals
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and
      professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work.


NOW HIRING: SPORTS EDITOR

The Sports Editor is expected to have thorough knowledge of their field, present strong time management skills, and exhibit comfort in conducting interviews. They must be organized and diligent in ensuring their work is factually correct. They must also:

    • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
    • Contribute a minimum of one editorial per year
    • Be consistently up-to-date with the issues, concerns and events occurring within the respective field of coverage
    • Attend Laurier Brantford sports games and events, and write brief summaries for them
    • When necessary, travel for provincial and national championships
    • Develop content ideas for the section and submit them to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline
    • Hold bi-weekly section meetings with volunteers and distribute content ensuring everything is covered
    • Cover stories that aren’t taken by volunteers
    • Receive stories from volunteers, edit them structure, content and CP Style
    • Submit all stories to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline, unless otherwise negotiated
    • Place visual requests for all stories in a proper timely fashion
    • Collaborate with the Design Manager to lay out section
    • Contribute no less than one video idea per month; plan and execute them with the help of the Video Editor and Web Director
    • Dedicate equal time to planning and executing web-exclusive content and visuals
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that, preferably, are sports-related and contain interviews.


NOW HIRING: FEATURES EDITOR

The Features Editor is expected to have thorough knowledge of their field, present strong time management skills, written skills and exhibit comfort in conducting interviews and seeking out unique sources and compelling story ideas.

The Features Editor must be organized and diligent in ensuring their section is factually correct and abiding by CP standards. They must assist in recruiting and training volunteers and hold regular office hours each week. They must also:

    • Contribute a minimum of one editorial per year
    • Develop visual content and story ideas for the section and submit them to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline
    • Be consistently up-to-date with the issues, concerns and events occurring within the respective field of coverage
    • Be well versed in the issues, concerns and events of the respective section
    • Submit all stories to the Editor-in-Chief on a set deadline, unless otherwise negotiated
    • Contribute a story monthly that is approximately 800-1,200 words long for Features, or 1,000+ words for In-Depth pieces
    • Collaborate with the Design Manager, Photo Editors, Graphics Editor, Web Director, and Video Editor to ensure the visual elements best convey the article
    • Ensure that all stories are factually correct and interviewees are not misquoted
    • Contribute no less than one video idea per term; plan and execute them with the help of the Video Editor
    • Dedicate equal time to planning and executing web-exclusive content and visuals
    • Seek out volunteers or other Sputnik staff members to contribute to the section and succeed the position
    • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
    • Place visual requests for all stories in a proper timely fashion
    • Collaborate with the EIC (and in some cases Design Manager) to lay out section
    • Attend bi-weekly or monthly meetings with the Editorial Board
    • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
    • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
    • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

*Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work that, preferably, contain interviews.


    NOW HIRING: GRAPHICS EDITOR

    The Graphics Editor is required to show creativity and talent in producing graphics and infographics to complement coverage in The Sputnik. They must have leadership skills to manage a team of volunteers and show a strong sense of time management. They must also:

      • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
      • Contribute at least one editorial
      • Receive graphics requests from section editors; collaborate with the editors and Design Manager to come up with an idea for conveying an appropriate image
      • Hold bi-monthly section meetings with volunteers and distribute requests
      • Receive graphics from volunteers and submit them to section editors
      • Ensure all graphics are edited for online and print
      • Collaborate with the Design Manager, Web Director, and section editors to produce online-exclusive graphics and infographics
      • Attend bi-monthly editorial board meetings
      • Produce the editorial cartoon or ensure a volunteer is available to draw it on a production night (traditionally either Monday or Tuesday evening)
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


    NOW HIRING: PHOTO EDITOR

    Photo Editors are expected to have diverse knowledge in photography, equipment, and editing software. They must exhibit creativity in many fields (i.e. sports, events, staged photography, etc.). They must also train and manage a team of qualified volunteers, so management skills are important. They must also:

      • Assist in recruiting and training volunteers
      • Contribute a minimum of one editorial per year
      • Oversee a Lead Photographer and ensure they are contributing weekly
      • Attend bi-monthly Editorial Board meetings
      • Receive photo requests from Cord section editors
      • Hold bi-monthly photography meetings with volunteers to distribute requests
      • Take any requests that volunteers or Lead Photographer can’t
      • Assist in The Sputnik‘s production, specifically with editing photos for print and web
      • Ensure online photo albums are consistently updated – i.e. “This Week Around Laurier” and other galleries
      • Ensure consistent communication with the section editors and EIC about photos
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


    NOW HIRING: LEAD PHOTOGRAPHER

    The Lead Photographer will not have as much of a workload as the Photo Editors; however, they will still be relied upon for multiple photos every week. Whoever fills the position will need to be available to cover stories on both a planned and last-minute basis. They will need to demonstrate strong communication skills. They must also:

      • Receive photo assignments from Photo Editors
      • Have existing knowledge of photography and editing
      • Have knowledge of multiple areas of photography (i.e. sports, speakers, staged photos, concerts, etc.)
      • Contribute at least three photo requests each month
      • Edit own photos for online and print; assist Photo Editors in editing any other photos
      • Be responsible for taking the photos for “Thoughts in Orbit” with a Lead Reporter on a monthly basis
      • Be available to take last-minute photos during production
      • Attend All-Sputnik meetings
      • Encouraged, but not required, to contribute an editorial at some point during the year
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the photographer is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


    NOW HIRING: VIDEO EDITOR

    The Video Editor must have knowledge of using camera equipment and editing software and should be enthusiastic to broaden that knowledge. They must exhibit creativity in their filming and recognize the difference between more arts-based stories compared to news-based stories. They must train and manage a set group of volunteers, so team management skills and communication is vital to this role. They must also:

      • Receive video requests from the Editor-in-Chief or section editors
      • Expected to cover on average two videos per month with the support of the Web Director and its volunteers
      • Collaborate with the Web Director and section editors to cover stories and use the editor or writer as a resource and “reporter”
      • Collaborate with editors to ensure videos exhibit the appropriate tone and information for the story
      • Edit videos using Final Cut Pro for their volunteers and section editors who shoot their own footage
      • Train video volunteers to help in the editing process and filming of events to get multiple angles
      • Create video graphics using flash building software
      • Collaborate with Web Director to build a video idea bank
      • Attend every Editorial Board meeting and be involved in the editorial process
      • Contribute at least one editorial
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


    NOW HIRING: SENIOR COPY EDITOR

    The Senior Copy Editor must be knowledgeable in grammar and spelling as well as Sputnik Style and CP Style. They must have strong leadership skills to manage a team of volunteers. They must also:

      • Schedule copy editors to attend production nights (traditionally a Monday or Tuesday)
      • Ensure copy edits are completed in a timely manner
      • Approve copy edits that are subsequently submitted to the respective section editor
      • Attend All-Sputnik meetings
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants may be required to perform a copy-editing test upon application and/or during the interview process, to assess copy-editing skills


    NOW HIRING: SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR

    The Social Media Coordinator is responsible for planning, implementing and monitoring The Sputnik’s social media strategy, in order to increase brand awareness, improve marketing efforts and increase interest in The Sputnik. The role of the Social Media Coordinator is to create and maintain a strong online presence for our company, by implementing online strategies through social media accounts. Because of this, the coordinator must be able to work independently, as well as part of a team, working in an environment of creative collaboration. They must also:

      • Research and understand audience preferences and discover current student trends at the Laurier Brantford campus
      • Create engaging text, image and video content, collaborating with the Web Director and Video Editor on a monthly basis
      • Design posts to sustain readers’ curiosity and create interest around new issues
      • Attend bi-monthly Editorial Board meetings
      • Stay up-to-date with changes in all social platforms ensuring maximum effectiveness
      • Develop an optimal posting schedule, considering web traffic and customer engagement metrics
      • Oversee the layout and overall aesthetic of The Sputnik’s social media accounts
      • Suggest new ways to attract prospective customers, like promotions and events
      • When using social media in regards to The Sputnik or WLUSP, the editor is expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and professional manner
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the editor may be held liable

    *Applicants are encouraged to provide at least two (2) relevant pieces of sample work, to assess creative abilities.


    NOW HIRING: DISTRIBUTION MANAGER

    The Brantford Distribution Manager will spend time each month distributing our various publications (primarily The Sputnik) around the Laurier Brantford campus and the downtown core to our distribution points, as well as collecting and recycling copies of older issues on the stands. Because of this, the manager must be able to work independently. They must also:

      • Meet and receive the delivery van and assist in the unloading of issues. Distribution points are located on campus and at various businesses and drop off points throughout the Brantford area
      • Coordinate and regularly communicate with The Sputnik‘s Editor-in-Chief to assure accountability and adequate distribution of issues
      • Be physically capable of lifting at least 50 lbs
      • Be comfortable with a physically-demanding environment (i.e. walking, lifting, distribution, etc.)
      • Adhere to the WLUSP code of conduct
      • Be respectful and protective of all property/equipment owned by The Sputnik and WLUSP. In the case of damage to WLUSP property resulting from malicious intent or negligence, the manager may be held liable

    About These Roles

    These roles give you the opportunity to grow your professional skills and challenge yourself in an environment focused on growth and development by creating high-quality products that are enjoyed by the Laurier and Brantford community. They provide a great opportunity to build experience in media, student journalism and creative fields, and allow you the chance to be apart of one of the most inclusive, friendly, and fun organizations on the Laurier campus. In the case of performance that exceeds expectations, these positions are also financially compensated by means of an honorarium on a per-term basis.

    For more information, visit https://www.thesputnik.ca/hiring/.