Company Description
We are a Fullerton-based, student-run newspaper, welcoming volunteers from all backgrounds, including high school, college, and beyond. Our flexible, volunteer-driven team offers a valuable opportunity to enhance your resume or applications while exploring different creative roles with a commitment of less than 10 hours per week. We understand that life is busy, and we work around your school, work, and personal commitments. With a wide range of positions available, we create a space for you to discover what excites you. Plus, through our training sessions with influential leaders in the Fullerton community, we provide support and guidance in whatever area interests you most. Join us to grow your skills, find your passion, and contribute to a vibrant, impactful publication!
Role Description
This is a volunteer hybrid role for as a Journalist, Editor, Proofreader, Social Media Manager, Cartoonist, Video Editor, Website Manager, Communication Coordinator, Newsletter Writer, Marketing Coordinator, Graphic Designer, Investigative reporter, Crime reporter, Court reporter, Commissions/committee reporter, City Council reporter, Health reporter, Sustainability reporter, Election event coverage reporter, Political reporter, Arts & Culture reporter, Book reviewer, Entertainment reporter, Photo journalist, Sports reporter or a Columnist at The Fullerton Observer. The role is located in Fullerton, CA, with flexibility for some remote work.
Encouraged Skills not Required!
Journalist
- Strong writing and storytelling skills
- Ability to conduct interviews and research
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Knowledge of journalistic ethics
- Time management for meeting deadlines
Editor
- Excellent grammar, spelling, and punctuation skills
- Ability to provide constructive feedback
- Familiarity with style guides (e.g., AP Style)
- Strong attention to detail and organization
- Ability to improve clarity and flow in writing
Proofreader
- Strong grasp of language mechanics
- Sharp attention to detail
- Focus on catching errors in grammar, punctuation, and spelling
- Ability to review documents for clarity and consistency
Social Media Manager
- Proficiency in managing social media platforms (e.g., Instagram, Twitter, Facebook)
- Strong communication and marketing skills
- Ability to create engaging content
- Understanding of social media trends and analytics
- Creativity in fostering online engagement
Cartoonist
- Skilled in drawing or digital illustration
- Creativity in visual storytelling
- Ability to capture key themes and emotions in a visual format
- Knowledge of social or political commentary (optional but helpful)
Video Editor
- Proficiency in video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere, Final Cut Pro)
- Storytelling through visuals and sound
- Ability to meet deadlines and work with raw footage
- Strong attention to detail in post-production
Website Manager
- Proficiency in web development tools (e.g., WordPress, HTML/CSS)
- Strong organization skills for site structure and content updates
- Understanding of SEO principles
- Basic graphic design skills (optional but helpful)
Communication Coordinator
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to manage internal and external communications
- Organizational skills for managing schedules and coordinating events
- Ability to work well in a team
Newsletter Writer
- Clear and concise writing skills
- Ability to curate engaging content
- Strong organizational skills to manage newsletter schedules
- Experience with email marketing platforms (optional but helpful)
Marketing Coordinator
- Strong understanding of branding and promotion strategies
- Knowledge of digital marketing techniques (social media, SEO, etc.)
- Excellent communication skills
- Creativity in developing marketing campaigns
Graphic Designer
- Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Strong sense of typography, layout, and color theory
- Ability to create visually engaging content
- Knowledge of branding and visual identity
Investigative Reporter
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Attention to detail and fact-checking
- Ability to handle sensitive topics with care
- Tenacity for uncovering in-depth stories
Crime Reporter
- Ability to handle complex, sensitive topics
- Strong research and fact-checking skills
- Excellent writing skills with an eye for detail
- Understanding of legal and ethical standards in reporting
Court Reporter
- Understanding of court procedures and legal terminology
- Strong attention to detail
- Ability to handle sensitive or confidential information
- Accuracy in reporting court decisions and proceedings
Commissions/Committee Reporter
- Knowledge of local government or public meetings
- Ability to summarize key discussions and decisions
- Excellent note-taking skills
- Strong understanding of political and civic issues
City Council Reporter
- Understanding of local government and city policies
- Strong note-taking and summarization skills
- Ability to report on key decisions and issues in a clear manner
- Political awareness
Health Reporter
- Familiarity with health and wellness topics
- Strong research skills for reporting on medical issues
- Ability to present complex information in a simple, understandable way
- Interviewing skills for speaking with health experts
Sustainability Reporter
- Interest in environmental and sustainability issues
- Strong research and writing skills
- Knowledge of local and global sustainability practices
- Ability to translate technical information into engaging stories
Election Event Coverage Reporter
- Strong understanding of political processes and election systems
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments
- Accuracy and attention to detail in reporting results
- Strong research and interviewing skills
Political Reporter
- Understanding of political structures and current events
- Strong research and writing skills
- Ability to handle sensitive or complex political topics
- Excellent interviewing and analytical skills
Arts & Culture Reporter
- Interest and knowledge in the arts (e.g., theater, music, visual arts)
- Strong writing and storytelling skills
- Ability to interview artists and review events
- Creativity in capturing the cultural significance of events
Book Reviewer
- Passion for reading and literature
- Ability to critically analyze and summarize books
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Creativity in conveying the book's themes and relevance
Entertainment Reporter
- Knowledge of pop culture, film, TV, or music industries
- Strong writing and communication skills
- Ability to attend and review entertainment events
- Flexibility and creativity in reporting trending topics
Photojournalist
- Proficiency in photography and editing software
- Ability to tell a story through visuals
- Attention to detail in capturing meaningful moments
- Strong understanding of composition, lighting, and angles
Sports Reporter
- Knowledge of sports and athletic events
- Strong writing and reporting skills
- Ability to analyze games and player performances
- Interviewing skills for speaking with athletes and coaches
Columnist
- Strong, personal voice and unique perspective
- Ability to engage readers with opinion pieces
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to discuss current events, social issues, or other topics of interest
