Writing Coach, Us-China Today

The Annenberg School of Journalism at the University of Southern California seeks a highly qualified adjunct instructor to be our US-China Today Writing Coach.

Description:

Work in a fast-paced news environment with journalism and non-journalism students from across the university who are producing news stories for the US-China Today online magazine. Students will craft in-depth, well-sourced stories that provide a balanced perspective on one of the most critical geopolitical partnerships of our time. US-China Today goes beyond surface-level reporting and delves into the intricate socio-political, economic, and cultural aspects of the dynamic and evolving relationship between the U.S. and China. Through a combination of classroom discussions and weekly writing assignments, students will produce content that not only informs but engages a diverse readership.

Students will pitch, write, and revise feature-length articles, ready for submission to US-China Today, offering a polished and comprehensive view of the US-China relationship. Articles may focus on any aspect of the multifaceted US-China relationship, including international diplomacy, trade, arts, technology, and environmental policy. Throughout the semester, students will also be required to keep up with current events and analyze media coverage from both nations. They will also develop skills in editing and multimedia storytelling to complement their articles, ensuring that their work meets professional standards for a publication like US-China Today.

This position of Writing Coach will primarily work with students on print formats, but will also require someone with digital and social media expertise. This position requires someone who is patient and nurturing to students who have little to no journalism experience. Applicants must be available for a weekly in-person editorial meeting on Wednesdays from 5-6 p.m. on campus. The School aims to hire one individual for a 5-hour assignment. 

Job tasks:

• Support and guide writers in identifying story ideas and managing deadlines.
• Work one-on-one with student reporters on story development, interviewing, writing, editing and the final publication of their stories.
• Provide tips on how to make improvements.
• Assist students in producing multimedia elements for stories, where appropriate.
• Guide students in distributing content through digital and social media.
• Provide consultation on legal, ethical and usage questions. 
• Conduct workshops for students, as needed.

Qualifications:

• Degree required:  BA or BS
• At least five years of journalism experience. 
• Experience producing high-quality, creative stories.
• Digital, social and multimedia experience required.
• Understanding of U.S.-China relations/dynamics a plus.
• Familiarity with AP Stylebook.

The hourly range for this position is $37.87 – $45.46. When extending an offer of employment, the University of Southern California considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, federal, state and local laws, contractual stipulations, as well as external market and organizational considerations.

USC reserves the “Adjunct” appointment for faculty teaching less than full-time at USC, who are employed full-time in a primary profession or career elsewhere. Adjunct faculty typically teach only one course per year, but in exceptional cases, may teach one course per semester, if approved by the dean.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, addressed to Glenn Osaki, Director, USC U.S.-China Institute, describing their background, interests and areas of expertise, and an up-to-date resume or curriculum vitae through USC’s job site.

The USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism is among the nation’s leading institutions devoted to the study of communication, journalism and public relations.  With an enrollment of 2,400 undergraduate and graduate students, USC Annenberg scholars, both students and faculty, are defining these fields for the 21st century and beyond.