Peterborough Currents is celebrating five years in 2025. We’re looking for a new editor to guide our news production moving forward. (Illustration: Brazil Gaffney-Knox) The Peterborough Association for Local News (PALN) is on the hunt for an inquisitive, proactive, and community-oriented journalist to oversee news production for Peterborough Currents, a website and email newsletter dedicated to delivering detailed and community-focused local news to residents of Peterborough. In the past five years, Peterborough Currents has become an essential and well-loved resource for thousands of locals seeking information and connection. With some of our founding newsroom members moving on to new ventures, we need someone who can step in, carry on our mission – but also put their unique stamp on it. This position offers a chance to influence the future of non-profit journalism in Peterborough. You’ll bring fresh ideas about how non-profit news can best serve the people in a mid-sized city – along with the determination to make those ideas happen. While understanding that other local media already provide adequate daily coverage in Peterborough, you’ll carve out a distinctive voice for Peterborough Currents that gives readers insights into their community that they can’t find anywhere else. In short: Your role will be crucial in helping PALN achieve its goal of providing journalism that encourages civic literacy, community involvement, and fosters belonging within Peterborough, Ontario.
About the role
As our Editor-Journalist, your main task will be ensuring that Peterborough Currents produces high-quality journalism that: Meets the informational needs of our audience Presents alternative viewpoints and uncovers new information Connects readers with fellow community members, particularly those underrepresented by other local outlets Provides readers with storytelling rooted in the community Aids readers’ understanding of current events Offers solutions alongside challenges Some weeks “being in charge” may mean you’re reporting, writing, editing, and publishing content all by yourself. Other weeks could involve managing freelancers – some may not have formal training in journalism and might require mentoring or additional support. We plan to hire an assistant to help you out as well; coordinating their work will also be part of your responsibilities. You should bring strong organizational skills when planning and executing Currents’ editorial calendar. You’ll report directly to PALN’s board of directors. They will set overall expectations while acting as a sounding board offering guidance (we know this job can be tough!). However, we aim to find a leader who can make decisions independently while producing high-quality journalism with little oversight.Key deliverables
A regular (likely weekly) email newsletter Less frequent – but still consistent – articles on the Currents website (probably around two per month.) At Peterborough Currents, we value depth, nuance, creativity, and originality more than reach or quantity. This means you won’t be churning out stories every day. Aside from our weekly email newsletter, we generally offer flexibility in our publishing schedule since we know some stories take more time! You’ll have input into setting priorities alongside the PALN board.The ideal candidate
The ideal person for this role will: Have some form of experience in journalism Possess strong writing skills resulting in clear and approachable copy Demonstrate good news judgment while being able to generate story ideas independently Have an eye for nuance amidst complex narratives Be self-motivated Enjoy connecting with the community Think critically about traditional news cycles and practices Have a solid understanding of Peterborough or experience with local journalism elsewhere Bring ideas about how non-profit journalism can create stronger communities along with motivation to see those ideas realized Bonus points if you have photography or audio-visual skills If you don’t meet every single qualification listed here but think you’re still worth considering – please reach out anyway! We’d love for you to surprise us with your skills or vision.The details
The starting annual salary will be $60,000.While we welcome candidates who may need flexible hours with a pro-rated salary arrangement; ideally this would be full-time at 35 hours per week.
This position is contracted for one year but has potential for extension if funding allows.
We offer three weeks paid vacation plus one extra week during year-end holidays.
The journalist may choose between working from home or at our private office located at Sadleir House; however being present locally in Peterborough is important so you can perform your reporting duties effectively.
Unfortunately at this time we cannot offer medical benefits; however it’s something we’re striving towards.
We provide all necessary equipment like audio recorders, cameras, computers unless you’d prefer using your own gear.
We trust you’ll show up ready to work seriously while balancing personal well-being; hence why we provide unlimited paid time off (for sick days), assuming 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 over ownership of Peterborough Currents. PALN’s mission focuses on creating journalism that enhances civic literacy as well as fostering engagement within the community thereby promoting belonging among residents of Peterborough Ontario. If you’re not familiar yet with what we’ve done at Peterborough Currents check out these stories from 2024 we’re proud about or these highlights from 2023 which represent what we’re all about!How to apply
Just get in touch! Please send us an email titled “Editor-Journalist Application” addressed info@peterboroughcurrents. ca containing: Details highlighting your relevant experiences along with education An explanation regarding why you’d fit perfectly into this role Links showcasing some previously work A link pointing toward any inspiring local news piece outside your own writing (doesn’t have to come from Peterborugh) explaining why it’s impactful Your thoughts regarding what role do you think should play within our local scene plus types stories prioritizing fulfilling such goals If you’d like including resume feel free – we’ll take it into consideration; although it’s optional! Understanding how frustrating job applications can feel we’re aiming simplify initial steps allowing casual emails introducing yourself highlighting experience skillset interests sufficient start process together-reading applications generously asking questions when needed! This posting remains open until we’ve filled it successfully reviewing applications beginning August 19th 2025 so ensure submission before then if interested being part first round deliberations!Source link
