Peterborough Currents turned five years old in 2025. We’re hiring a new editor to lead our news production going forward. (Illustration: Brazil Gaffney-Knox) The Peterborough Association for Local News (PALN) is looking for a curious, self-motivated, and community-focused journalist to head up news production for Peterborough Currents, a website and email newsletter that delivers in-depth local news tailored for the residents of Peterborough. In the past five years, Peterborough Currents has become an essential source of information and connection for thousands in the community. As our founding newsroom members move on to explore new opportunities, we’re eager to find someone who can take over and continue our mission-while also making it their own. This is your chance to shape the future of non-profit journalism in Peterborough. You’ll bring your ideas about how non-profit news can best serve residents of a mid-sized city-and the motivation to make those ideas happen. Recognizing that other local outlets already provide solid daily coverage, you’ll cultivate a distinct voice that sets Peterborough Currents apart and gives readers unique insights into their community. In short: You’ll ensure PALN achieves its mission by providing journalism that encourages civic literacy, boosts community engagement, and fosters a sense of belonging among people in Peterborough, Ontario.
About the role
As our Editor-Journalist, you will be responsible for making sure Peterborough Currents offers high-quality journalism that: Meets the informational needs of our audience Provides alternative viewpoints and reveals new information Introduces readers to fellow community members, particularly those who are often overlooked by other local media Engages readers with stories rooted in the community Helps readers make sense of current events Offers solutions just as much as it highlights problems Some weeks “being in charge” means you’ll be reporting, writing, editing, and publishing all on your own. Other weeks involve coordinating and managing freelancers-some may not have formal journalism training and might need guidance along the way. We plan on hiring an assistant to support you; “being in charge” will also include overseeing their work. You’ll use strong organizational skills when planning and executing Currents’ editorial calendar. You will report directly to PALN’s board of directors. The board will set broad expectations while also acting as a sounding board offering support (we know this job can be tough!). However, we hope to find someone who can make decisions independently while producing quality journalism with minimal supervision.Key deliverables
A regular (most likely weekly) email newsletter Less frequent-but still fairly regular-news articles on the Currents website (likely around two each month.) At Peterborough Currents, we value depth, nuance, creativity, and originality more than sheer reach or quantity. This means you won’t be churning out stories every single day. Besides our weekly email newsletter, our publishing schedule is flexible-we understand some stories require more time! You’ll have input into setting priorities alongside the PALN board.The ideal candidate
The perfect candidate will: Have some form of journalism experience Demonstrate strong writing skills by producing clear and accessible content Show solid news judgment with an ability to generate story ideas independently Possess an instinct for nuance within complex narratives Be proactive Enjoy getting involved with the community Critically assess traditional news cycles and practices Have familiarity with Peterborough’s landscape or local journalism experience from another area Bring fresh ideas about how non-profit journalism can strengthen communities along with motivation to realize those ideas Bonus points if you have photography or audio-visual skills Please don’t hesitate if you feel unqualified simply because you don’t meet every single requirement. We encourage you to reach out anyway; we’d love to see any skills or visions that might surprise us!The details
The starting annual salary is $60,000.While we welcome applications from candidates seeking part-time work at a pro-rated salary structure, we envision this position as full-time (35 hours/week).
This role is initially offered as a one-year contract but holds great potential for extension depending on funding.
We provide three weeks of paid vacation plus an additional week during end-of-year holidays.
You may choose between working from home or at our office located within Sadleir House-or both! Being physically present in Peterborough is essential so you can carry out your reporting duties effectively.
Unfortunately, we’re not able to offer medical benefits at this moment but are actively working towards it.
All necessary equipment such as audio recorders, cameras, and computers will be provided unless you’d prefer using your own gear.
We trust you’ll show up ready to take your responsibilities seriously while balancing personal well-being too! To support this balance, we offer unlimited paid time off (like sick days), provided you’re meeting position expectations.
About the Peterborough Association for Local News
The Peterborough Association for Local News (PALN) is a newly established non-profit organization taking ownership over Peterborough Currents. PALN aims at producing journalistic work fostering civic literacy, value-based engagement, and cultivating belonging within its Petersorough audience. If you’re unfamiliar with what we’ve done at Peterborough Currents so far, browse through these stories we’re proudof from 2024 along with pieceswe backin 2023to better understandour vision!How to apply
Just reach out! Please send an email titled “Editor-Journalist Application”to info@peterboroughcurrents. ca. Here’s what should be included: Highlight relevant experiences & education Explain why you’d excel here Link us some previous work you’ve Share a local news story not written by yourself(doesn’t needto comefrom Peterborugh)that inspiresyou& explain why Tell us what roleyou think Peterborugh Currenstshould playand which kindsofstoriesyou’d prioritizefor fulfillingthat mission If you’d like, to includea resume that’s perfectly fine-we’ll reviewit-but it’snot required. We recognizehow daunting jobapplicationscanbe; therefore, makingthe initial steps simpleisour goal. A casualemail introducing yourselfalongwitha brief overviewofyour experienceskillsandmotives sufficesforgetting started. Willreadthroughyour application generouslyand ask questionsif necessary! This job posting remains open untilsomeoneis hired. Applicationswill begin being reviewedon August19th 2025; pleaseapplybythenin ordertobe consideredforfirstrounddeliberations!Source link
