School News Reporter

Volunteer School News Reporter

Organization: Open Doors Academy

Position Type: Volunteer

Location: Remote / School Community

Reports To: School Administration / Communications Coordinator

Position Overview

Open Doors Academy is seeking a creative and responsible Volunteer School News Reporter to help share important school news, student achievements, educational activities, events, and community updates.

The School News Reporter will gather information, interview approved members of the school community, write news stories, and help produce engaging content for the school's newsletter, website, social media, and other approved communications.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and report on school activities, events, programs, and accomplishments.
• Write clear, accurate, and engaging school news stories.
• Interview students, families, volunteers, teachers, administrators, and community members when appropriate.
• Highlight student achievements, awards, projects, clubs, and special events.
• Assist with newsletters and school publications.
• Submit articles and story ideas to school administration for review and approval.
• Verify facts, names, dates, and other information before publication.
• Follow school privacy, confidentiality, media, and student-protection policies.
• Obtain appropriate approval before photographing, recording, or publishing information about students.
• Maintain a professional and respectful approach when reporting.
• Help promote a positive and inclusive school community.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and communication skills.
• Interest in journalism, communications, education, or media.
• Ability to research information and conduct basic interviews.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to meet agreed-upon deadlines.
• Professional judgment and respect for confidentiality.
• Comfortable working independently and remotely.
• Experience in journalism, school media, communications, blogging, or social media is helpful but not required.

Preferred Skills

• News writing
• Editing and proofreading
• Interviewing
• Photography or basic video production
• Social media content creation
• Newsletter development
• Canva or similar design tools
• Research and fact-checking

Volunteer Commitment

This is an unpaid volunteer position. The schedule may be flexible and will be coordinated with school activities and reporting needs.

Important Student Privacy Requirement

Because this position may involve access to information about minors, volunteers must follow all applicable school policies concerning student privacy, confidentiality, photography, recordings, and publication of student information. No student-identifying information or media may be published without the required authorization.

What You Will Gain

• Practical journalism and reporting experience
• Published school-community work samples
• Experience working with an educational organization
• Opportunities to develop writing, interviewing, and communications skills
• Experience supporting students and families through positive storytelling

Open Doors Academy is committed to creating an inclusive educational community where students, families, volunteers, and staff are treated with dignity and respect.