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Volunteer Journalist Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Indiana University

Writing/Editing Specialist

Bloomington, IN · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Pitches compelling story ideas and proactively cultivate relationships with journalists, editors ... Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental ...

TOGETHXR

Director of Communications

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

Director of Communications (Volunteer) Reports To: Team President / Owner Location: Indiana (Hybrid ... Background in communications, journalism, marketing, public relations, or sports media * Experience ...

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All JobsVolunteer Journalist JobsVolunteer Journalist Jobs in Indiana

Volunteer Journalist information

See Indiana salary details

$8

$18

$32

How much do volunteer journalist jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average hourly pay for volunteer journalist in Indiana is $18.21, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.70 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a volunteer journalist?

A Volunteer Journalist is an unpaid reporter who researches, writes, and publishes news stories for media organizations, nonprofits, or community platforms. They may cover a variety of topics, including local events, social issues, or industry-specific news. This role helps aspiring journalists gain experience, build portfolios, and contribute valuable content. Some organizations offer training and mentorship to support volunteers in developing their journalistic skills.

What types of stories or content do volunteer journalists typically cover, and how are assignments usually determined?

Volunteer Journalists may cover a wide range of topics, such as local community events, nonprofit initiatives, human interest features, or educational content, depending on the organization's mission. Assignment of stories is often coordinated through an editorial team or supervisor, with volunteers sometimes having the opportunity to pitch their own story ideas. While priorities can shift based on current events or community needs, clear communication and flexibility are essential for successful collaboration. This experience allows volunteers to build a diverse portfolio while making a meaningful impact through storytelling.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a volunteer journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Volunteer Journalist, you need strong writing abilities, research skills, keen attention to detail, and a basic understanding of journalistic ethics, often supported by coursework in journalism or communications. Familiarity with content management systems, digital publishing tools, and basic multimedia equipment is beneficial. Curiosity, initiative, adaptability, and effective communication help a volunteer journalist excel when collaborating with editors and sourcing information. These skills are important for producing credible, engaging stories that contribute value to a news organization or community publication.

How to get a volunteer journalist job with no experience?

To become a volunteer journalist with no experience, start by building a portfolio of writing samples, such as blog posts or articles, and gain familiarity with journalistic tools like AP style and basic reporting skills. Volunteer for local community outlets, student newspapers, or online platforms to gain practical experience and demonstrate your commitment. Networking with professionals and taking relevant courses can also improve your chances of securing a volunteer position.

What are the most commonly searched types of Journalist jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Journalist jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Volunteer Journalist jobs in Indiana?

For Volunteer Journalist jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Volunteer Journalist jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Volunteer Journalist jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Volunteer Journalist jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Volunteer Journalist job openings:

Volunteer Journalist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Volunteer Journalist job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 81% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,876 per year, or $18.2 per hour.

Writing/Editing Specialist

Indiana University

Bloomington, IN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 7 days ago

Job description

Department Specific Responsibilities
  • Serves as a primary point of contact for local, regional, and national media outlets covering the school's performances, faculty, students, educational mission, and initiatives.
  • Pitches compelling story ideas and proactively cultivate relationships with journalists, editors, and producers across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
  • Drafts and distributes press releases, media advisories, and talking points; coordinate interviews and media access for events.
  • Monitors media coverage and maintain a press contact database; track coverage trends and report on outcomes.
  • Acts as the primary copy editor for the communications team ¿ reviewing and refining content across web, print, and email before publication.
  • Writes and edits a range of content including feature stories, profiles, event announcements, and institutional statements.
  • Upholds and evolves the school's editorial style guide, ensuring consistency and quality across all channels.
  • Collaborates with faculty, staff, and students to develop accurate, compelling narratives that reflect the school's mission and culture.
General Responsibilities
  • Writes and edits clear, informative written content for various communications needs, audiences, and publication formats, assessing for relevance, accuracy, and appropriateness; tailors the degree of copyediting to a project's specific needs.
  • Corrects basic and complex grammar, spelling, punctuation, formatting, and syntax errors and performs edits that improve overall writing quality of communications and ensure alignment with university mission, strategies, objectives, and brand and accessibility guidelines.
  • Performs reviews of peer writing to ensure grammar, quality, tone, and level of depth are sufficient; may also review against requirements for specific publications, including content, length, brand guidelines, and deadline specifications.
  • Consults regularly with writers, printers, faculty, staff, and/or other stakeholders to ensure adherence to writing and publications deadlines.
  • Identifies user and audience needs and analyzes usage of existing content in order to identify content gaps; plans, develops, and publishes internal and external communications.
  • Drafts sample communications to be reviewed with manager at project deadline checkpoints.
  • May provide guidance to other Writing/Editing Specialists.
Qualifications
Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.
EDUCATION
Required
  • Bachelor's degree in English, communications, journalism, public relations, or related field.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Required
  • 2 years in relevant field.
Preferred
  • 3 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, or a closely related field.
SKILLS
Required
  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Possesses flexibility to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
  • Highly thorough and dependable.
  • Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
  • Ability to work within tight time frames and meet strict deadlines.
  • Ability to simultaneously handle multiple priorities.
  • Ability to drive multiple projects to successful completion.
  • Demonstrates familiarity with correct style and ability to write, edit, and proof text, including ability to read for content and correct accordingly.
Preferred
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills
  • Ability to catch what others miss and make every sentence better.
  • Proven experience building and maintaining media relationships, with a track record of successful placements.
  • Familiarity with AP Style and strong command of editorial best practices.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines without sacrificing quality.
  • A genuine passion for music, the arts, or arts education is a strong plus.
Working Conditions / Demands
This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.
Work Location
IU Bloomington campus.
Benefits Overview
For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:
  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure .
Job Classification
Career Level: Career
FLSA: Exempt
Job Function: Marketing & Communications
Job Family: Writing & Editing
Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.
Posting Disclaimer
This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.
If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .
Campus Safety and Security
The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online . You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.
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