Jobs & Internships

JOBS

Social Media & Community Assistant
(Posted April 4, 2012)

The Better Government Association (BGA) seeks a part-time social media and community assistant.

The BGA is a nonprofit organization that combines investigative journalism, advocacy, and civic engagement to promote good government at the local, county, and state levels in Illinois.  Its offices are located in Chicago.

Responsibilities:

• Monitor, build and maintain BGA's active presence on a variety of social channels including: Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Reddit, Windy Citizen, Tumblr and StumbleUpon.
• Manage short- and long-term community campaigns around Watchdog Training, BGA advocacy, and membership.
• Assist in developing online strategies around BGA content and initiatives.
• Assist in helping BGA staff start and curate their social media presence.
• Regularly monitor online conversations and respond accordingly; watch for key trends and potential story ideas.
• Foster a sense of community online that encourages BGA readers, users, members and supporters to actively engage and participate in discussion, and feel invested in our online community.
• Monitor and evaluate performance of BGA social media.
• Manage and produce electronic broadcasts.
• Assist in online policy advocacy campaigns.
• Moderate Web comments.
• Create protocol for "site submissions," e.g. tips and questions from our community.
• Serve as key source of digital trends for organization.
• Assist in the coordination and execution of site content development.

Job Requirements:

Immersion in social media and background in communications/journalism is a must, and an excitement for emerging digital trends is key.  In addition, a strong candidate will have:

• Strong social media game.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both on and offline.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and react quickly.
• Familiarity with web strategy and production.

How to Apply: To apply, send resume, cover letter, and social media writing samples to Joseph Malinowski: jmalinowski@bettergov.org.

Salary/Benefits: The salary is competitive with similar positions in other nonprofit organizations and commensurate with experience.

Submission Deadline: Until filled.

Note: The BGA is an Equal Opportunity Employer – women, people of color, and people with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

INTERNSHIPS

Summer Media Internship
(Updated March 28, 2011)

Description: The Better Government Association (BGA) seeks a summer intern to work in communication and media. We're looking for a bright, ambitious intern who is in college or graduate school. The ideal candidate can shoot video and edit in Final Cut Pro 7. We also looking for someone who can help with media outreach for civic engagement efforts. A major and/or interest in communications/journalism and government is preferred.

The BGA is a nonprofit organization that combines investigative journalism, advocacy, and civic engagement to promote good government at the local, county, and state levels in Illinois. Offices are located in downtown Chicago.

How to Apply: Please email cover letter and resume to Mary Frances O'Connor, mfoconnor@bettergov.org.

Investigative Unit
(Ongoing—use the form below to apply)

The BGA's Investigative Unit hires unpaid interns in the summer and throughout the year to assist in news projects.

Some of the duties might include:

• going to courthouses to pull documents
• making phone calls to sources
• attending news conferences
• contributing to select stories and blogs
• coming up with ideas for articles and investigations
• researching
• filing Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests

The following qualifications are preferred:

• journalism or related major in college
• upperclassmen, graduate student or recent grad
• previous experience writing and reporting
• a nose for news, and an ability to learn new skills quickly
• an understanding of local government (particularly in Chicago and Illinois) and current events
• a solid work ethic, attention to detail and a sense of humor

Note: Depending on the circumstances, the BGA is willing to comply with requirements so that an internship can translate into course credit.

Policy Advocacy Unit
(Ongoing—use the form below to apply)

The BGA’s Advocacy Center works in concert with the Investigative Unit by providing recommendations for improving current policies and legislation. Recommendations are based on independent research and analysis, expert testimony, and evaluation and institutional knowledge.

We work on a broad array of state, county and municipal issues; with a focus on research, coalition building and advocacy.

The Associate Policy Interns work closely with the Policy and Government Affairs Coordinator to research policy issues, create position pieces, hold press conferences, host coalition meetings, and track and craft legislation that improves government.