The Meliorist is seeking curious, motivated, and dependable Reporters/Writers to produce original journalism for the University of Lethbridge and broader Southern Alberta community.
Reporters/Writers research, report, and write accurate, engaging, and well-sourced stories on topics including university news, student life, local and community issues, social sciences, humanities, fine arts, science, and culture.
At the heart of this role is curiosity. Reporters/Writers are expected to pay attention to what is happening on campus and in the surrounding community, ask thoughtful questions, identify stories worth telling, and seek out perspectives that may otherwise go unheard. They will develop original story ideas, cultivate sources, conduct interviews, verify information, and transform their research into accessible and meaningful journalism.
As an independent student publication, The Meliorist is committed to reporting that serves students first. Reporters/Writers are expected to approach their work with fairness, independence, accountability, and respect for the people and communities they cover.
Successful candidates will be self-motivated, resourceful, open to feedback, and able to balance independent reporting with collaboration in a newsroom environment. Training, mentorship, and opportunities for professional development will be provided throughout the work term.
Please submit your resume/CV and a writing sample to [email protected]
Key Responsibilities
- Research, report, and write accurate, engaging, and well-sourced articles for publication.
- Identify and pitch original story ideas that are timely, relevant, and meaningful to students and the broader community.
- Produce a minimum of two short articles per month.
- Complete at least one major investigative, in-depth, or feature article per semester.
- Conduct interviews and develop professional relationships with students, faculty, staff, community members, organizations, and other relevant sources.
- Seek out diverse perspectives and voices when developing and reporting stories.
- Attend campus and community events to gather information and provide timely coverage.
- Conduct research using primary and secondary sources while maintaining organized and accurate notes, records, and references.
- Verify facts, quotations, claims, and other information through reliable sources prior to publication.
- Monitor campus and community developments for emerging stories and reporting opportunities.
- Respond to breaking news and time-sensitive reporting assignments when required.
- Capture photographs or other supporting media when appropriate.
- Work collaboratively with editors and other staff on major stories, special projects, and publication initiatives.
- Communicate regularly with the Editor-in-Chief regarding assignments, progress, deadlines, challenges, and editorial feedback.
- Attend scheduled staff meetings and maintain required on-campus office hours.
- Respond professionally to editorial feedback and complete revisions within established deadlines.
- Handle sensitive information and interactions with sources with appropriate judgment, discretion, and care.
- Represent The Meliorist professionally and uphold its commitment to journalistic integrity, editorial independence, accountability, and student-first publishing.
Qualifications & Skills
The ideal candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong writing, research, interviewing, and storytelling abilities.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong critical thinking, analytical, and fact-checking skills.
- The ability to identify compelling stories and exercise sound editorial judgment.
- Curiosity and a genuine interest in the people, issues, and events shaping campus and the broader community.
- Strong organizational and time-management skills, including the ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines.
- Initiative and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- The ability to collaborate respectfully and effectively within a team.
- Professionalism, discretion, and a commitment to accuracy, fairness, and journalistic integrity.
- Openness to constructive feedback and a willingness to revise and strengthen their work.
- Flexibility and adaptability in a deadline-driven publishing environment.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
Experience in journalism, creative or academic writing, photography, audio, video, data journalism, or multimedia storytelling is considered an asset but is not required. Students who demonstrate strong writing ability, curiosity, and a willingness to learn are encouraged to apply.
What We Offer
Working with The Meliorist provides an opportunity to build practical experience while contributing directly to student-driven journalism and storytelling. Reporters/Writers will have opportunities to:
- Build a portfolio of published work.
- Develop professional writing, research, interviewing, and reporting skills.
- Gain experience working within an independent newsroom and nonprofit publication.
- Receive mentorship, editorial feedback, and hands-on training.
- Explore investigative, feature, news, cultural, and multimedia storytelling.
- Develop relationships with students, campus organizations, community members, and other sources.
- Pursue stories and subject areas that align with their interests while contributing to meaningful coverage of the University and broader community.
Equity & Inclusion
The Meliorist Publishing Society is committed to fostering an inclusive, welcoming, and respectful environment. We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, identities, disciplines, and lived experiences.
We recognize that experience can take many forms and that strong candidates may not meet every qualification listed above. If you are interested in storytelling, have strong writing skills, and are curious about the world around you, we encourage you to apply.
About The Meliorist
The Meliorist is an independent, student-driven nonprofit at the University of Lethbridge. Through creative and dynamic publishing, we support emerging storytellers, amplify diverse voices, and connect students with the broader Southern Alberta community.
Our mission is to provide meaningful opportunities for skill development, expression, and dialogue that strengthen campus life and beyond. We envision an engaged community united through storytelling, impactful content, and purposeful action.
Our work is guided by five core values: Meliorism, Independence, Adaptability, Accountability, and Student-First. These values shape how we tell stories, serve our community, create opportunities for students, and uphold our responsibilities as an independent student publication.
Pay: $17.00-$20.00 per hour
Benefits:
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Lethbridge, AB
