News Assistant

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. 

Job Description

The New York Times is seeking a news assistant to work on its National Desk, a team that leads the newsroom’s coverage of the United States across all Times platforms. The ideal candidate will be an engaged and collegial team member with an interest in news. Strong project management skills, flexibility and a desire to learn new skills are critical to success in this role.

Writing skills and a passion for Times journalism are a must, as our news assistant may be called upon to help with research and reporting from time to time. 

Responsibilities: 

• You will perform multiple operational and clerical duties essential to the work of the desk

• Research and produce daily news scans to keep editors abreast on developments the desk may be interested in covering.

• Work closely with editors and photographers to manage story budgets and track stories through editing and publication.

• Work with editors on a system for tracking whereabouts of reporters. 

• Ensure smooth communication between editors, reporters, photographers and freelancers, keeping contact lists updated as needed.

• Help with story promotion, including writing social copy and ensuring our stories are shared by our brand accounts.

• Take detailed notes during meetings with editors. 

• Help to maintain a calendar of upcoming events, elections and anniversaries.

• Eagerly tackle new responsibilities as the need arises (i.e. assist with breaking news coverage).

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• This role reports to the Deputy Director, News Operations.

Basic Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Times style or the ability to absorb and apply it quickly

• Ability to multitask and prioritize to meet deadlines

• Excellent troubleshooting and problem solving skills

Preferred Qualifications: 

• B.A or B.S degree

• Strong writing, editing and production skills

The job will be based in New York and is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

The annual base pay salary for this role is between $66,300.00 and $67,000.00.

The New York Times is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce, one that reflects the varied global community we serve. Our journalism and the products we build in the service of that journalism greatly benefit from a range of perspectives, which can only come from diversity of all types, across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. Achieving true diversity and inclusion is the right thing to do. It is also the smart thing for our business. So we strongly encourage women, veterans, people with disabilities, people of color and gender nonconforming candidates to apply.

The New York Times Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email [email protected].  Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.

The Company will further consider qualified applicants, including those with criminal histories, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable "Fair Chance" laws.

The New York Times Company follows the pay transparency and non-discrimination provisions outlined by the United States Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs. Click here for details.