vertical logoWriter's Week
 Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
 Jan. 21, 2011  (Next deadline Jan. 26)
 

 

President's message

Holiday letters: Write for your audience

Claudia Taller
Claudia Taller
photo courtesy of lakewoodbuzz.

 

I've been reading holiday letters before stowing them away for the year. Of the 60 or so cards I received, 12 contained letters. As I read them, I analyze them -something I can't seem to turn off - and notice the difference in tone. Some are chatty, some are newsy, some are heartfelt and some are boring.I wonder if the writers try for a certain tone, or if it just comes out that way because of their personalities. Those that are chatty are upbeat and full of information. Those that are newsy just put forth the facts and emotion is low-key. Those that are heartfelt focus on cute things a child said or describe a cat's affection. Those that are boring seem to have forgotten there's an audience.

 

I wrote an annual holiday letter myself. I aimed for a tone that reflected our lives over the last year and I tried to hit the highlights but demonstrate that life isn't all about victory: it's about our struggles and losses as well. One friend told me the letter was bittersweet. Part of the reason for that tone is that I know some people think holiday letters are too much about the successes of children, and I was writing for my audience. 

 

Claudia Taller

President
It's Ohio SPJ Awards application time!

It is time again to prepare entries for "Ohio's Best Journalism" - SPJ's statewide contest for print, broadcast, online, trade and college journalists. The deadline is Feb. 25 (it must be postmarked by that date) which is in five weeks!

The official Call for Entries is not yet online but it is included in the program that was distributed at the awards ceremony in October, on pages 23 to 26. That form is available online here. So if you want to get started, download the awards program PDF, go to page 23, read the rules and regs and print the forms that follow those. We will have the official online link to the Call for Entries next week, we hope!

Please share this information with others in your organization.

We are lining up SPJ chapters in other states to serve as judges this year.  Your work makes their judging effort well worthwhile.
 

The Civic Commons 

takes to the airwaves

The Civic Commons, a new project involving former WCPN host Dan Moulthrop, Lia Lockert, Jason Russell and a team of others, has been online for awhile now. The news is, the project's radio show is debuting on WJCU radio (88.7 FM) tomorrow at 8:30-9 a.m. The show will air weekly on Saturday mornings during this time slot, and if you miss it, not to worry. It will also be available on the website as a downloadable podcast.

The Civic Commons is a highly interactive public affairs website, meant to engage listeners in discussing issues that affect Northeast Ohio. The radio show, according to Moulthrop's most recent blog entry, entitled "Back to the Airwaves," will incorporate the voice of listeners as much as possible. The show will start by using these Civic Commons principles to examine what is happening in the region, Moulthrop says in his blog. The first topic will be "transparency," in connection with the recent transition to a new Cuyahoga County charter government.
If you're anxious to hear something right away, Moulthrop's complete, unedited  interview with new council members Julian Rogers and Dave Greenspan is now available online.

The program will also be made available for rebroadcast to other media outlets.

 

Job opportunities

Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out most of the jobs posted below. To receive her full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank below. 


WRITER, UNIVERSITY CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD VOICE  
University Circle Neighborhood Voice
is looking for any writers who are interested in producing stories for its February issue. The publication is a community newspaper that covers the Central, East Cleveland, Fairfax, Hough and Little Italy neighborhoods. It is looking for writers who understand reporting, interviewing and story structure. Writers will receive a small fee for stories ranging from 250-400 words. Contact Josette Compton.

 

NEWS REPORTER, CLEVELAND SCENE 

Cleveland Scene, Northeast Ohio's award-winning weekly newspaper, seeks a reporter with strong background in news writing. The ideal candidate has a firm grasp on how to develop sources, report thoroughly and efficiently, and craft compelling copy on deadline. This position calls for short- and long-form writing, in addition to regular blogging. Full time with benefits; pay commensurate with experience. Send your resume and 3 best clips to eburnett@clevescene.com.

 

ASSISTANT ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE - LANDAU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Landau Public Relations is seeking a talented Assistant Account Executive to join our team.

Candidates must possess a bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications and have 1-2 years of PR experience. This person will have excellent verbal and written skills, be self-disciplined and deadline sensitive, possess the ability to multi-task, and have a high level of professionalism. The ideal candidate will have working knowledge of Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. HTML knowledge is a plus.

Overall AAE responsibilities include: assisting account teams with day-to-day client work, coordination with vendors, media list development, press material development, event coordination, social media support, research, writing and pitching. This position has tremendous growth potential. If you are interested in joining our high-energy team, please apply to Alicia Gauer at agauer@landaupr.com. No phone calls please.

 

CHIEF EDITOR - BUSINESS FINANCE MAGAZINE, PENTON 

Penton is seeking an energetic, creative and entrepreneurial Chief Editor to join the Business Finance team in our Cleveland or New York office. The magazine and Website serves the needs of the senior finance professional. Business Finance supplies senior finance executives information and insight into key finance issues, strategies, trends and technologies to help them advance their organizations in today's highly competitive global economy.
Duties and Responsibilities:
·Responsible for all journalistic facets of the magazine, website, e-newsletters and events.
·Manages a staff of two and creates and fosters relationships with contributing freelance and expert knowledge writers.
·Keeps abreast of Business and Finance related market trends and cutting edge products and services.
Position Qualifications:
·5 years of journalism experience
·Broad understanding of the key issues facing CFOs and other senior financial leaders.
·Skilled editor and writer
·Adept at creating and leading both digital and print products
·Capable of playing a central role in developing new initiatives for the property.
Apply to: laura.desler@penton.com with the subject as "Chief Editor"

INVESTIGATIVE PRODUCER - WEWS TV 5
Requisition Number: 3005
WEWS NewsChannel 5 is seeking an energic, positive, assertive Investigative Producer. Duties of this position include:
· Oversee all special projects including but not limited to investigations, daily consumer reports, news specials (Auto Show, Severe Weather Week, etc.) and sweeps projects.
· Coordinate and develop all ideas for stories, gain approval, schedule shooting, writing and editing as well as story generation.
· Develop strategy that puts special projects on-air daily.
· Coordinate and execute strategy for ratings periods.
· Coordinate website ties and projects.
· Liaison to News managers and producers for Special Projects.
Requirements:
· Should have 3-5 years previous news or special projects producing experience.
· Must have strong communication and organization skills.
· Must have strong leadership skills and be able to work well with all levels of the organization. 
· Must work well in stressful situations under deadline pressure.
· Must have a flexible schedule - able to work nights and weekends.
· Should possess strong news judgment and solid, conversational writing skills.
· Must meet high standards of personal integrity and journalistic ethics.
· Must understand media law.
· Bachelor's degree required with a preferred major in Journalism or Communication.
Apply here.

ASSIGNMENT EDITOR - WEWS CHANNEL 5
Requisition Number: 3076
It's an exciting time to join Cleveland's premier television station, WEWS NewsChannel 5! We are seeking an innovative, multi-tasking Assignment Editor. 
The successful candidate will manage assignments, deal with logistics, and monitor wires and scanners. 
The duties of this position include:
· Plan news coverage as directed by news management;
· Dispatch crews to stories and breaking news, using appropriate logistical and journalistic judgment; 
· Make calls to news sources as needed, gaining appropriate and actionable information;
· Assist in finding stories, conduct research and tracking story ideas in assignment desk computer;
· Write factually correct news stores in AP broadcast style for website;
Requirements:
Education: High school diploma required. Bachelor's degree preferred.
Experience & Skills: At least two (2) years previous assignment desk and/or newsroom experience, should possess a competitive nature, and have excellent
communication skills. Ability to multi-task is essential.
Apply here.

MULTIMEDIA DESIGNER - NAT'L ASSOC OF COLLEGE STORES
  In consultation with the Director of Creative Services, create and implement the design and production of printed, electronic and exhibition materials. Ensure the design is in conformance with the strategic objectives of the association. 
 Knowledge, skills, training, experience:
· B. A. Degree in Graphic Design or equivalent experience 
· Three years working experience in graphic and/or electronic design
· Proficient in the use of on a Macintosh operating system (using design software such as: Adobe InDesign Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe FLASH, Adobe Dreamweaver, ActionScript, and HTML)
· Demonstrate accuracy and efficiency in high quality production
· Deadline oriented and able to work under pressure
· Ability to work with people in a pleasant, cooperative manner
· Facility to acquire knowledge of association functions and industry issues
· Highly organized with attention to detail and consistency
· Open to new ideas and influences, and able to ability to spot and incorporate emerging trends
· Ability to balance multiple simultaneous projects
· Prioritize workload to accommodate delivery of projects
Desired:
· Proficiency in the use of a DSLR camera
Complexity of duties

. Initiates designs for graphic development
· Exercises good and effective graphic judgment
· Meets deadlines and rush projects through use of timing, flexibility and efficiency 
· Communicate current project status
To apply please visit our website at www.nacs.org/careers or through this website.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - METRICS MARKETING GROUP
Metrics Marketing Group is looking for a Graphic Designer to help create and manage ongoing marketing programs on behalf of the company. The Graphic Designer will work on print and online projects, they will primarily be adapting and outputting new iterations of existing materials. The individual should have an understanding of print production and IT web design and hands-on experience creating, modifying and optimizing web page graphics and layouts. There may also be some opportunities for primary design work.
Responsibilities:
·Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills with regards to the following: 
Mac OSX, Windows, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Word, PowerPoint 
·Online production skill set that includes: 
oFamiliarity with HTML editors such as Dreamweaver, Bbedit, etc. HTML, CSS and Flash required. Basic Jquery . 
oKnowledge of web design concepts - usability, page layout, and navigational structures, and an understanding of web browsers and their limitations across different platforms.
·Responsible for the design output for performing numerous tasks, including: 
oProgramming, designing and formatting material according to given templates 
oLayout and formatting of some print collateral 
oAdapting and resizing of print advertising 
oLaying out sales presentations in Powerpoint 
oLaying out and formatting of sales training materials & press materials in Word 
oDeveloping Web pages and email campaigns 
oPrimary design work for any of the above-mentioned materials may also be required at times 
Required Skills:
oGood sense of design and aesthetic that matches well the look & feel 
oAbility to multi-task & prioritize many requests at once 
oExperience in web design using both MAC and PC platforms, 
oExcellent verbal and written communication skills 
oWell organized 
Interested applicants should send their resume and cover letter to careers@metricsmarketing.com.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER (CONTRACT POSITION) - INVACARE
Tracking Code 214857-072 Location: Elyria
Required Skills
Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design required with 4 years of website and print material experience. Continue education in design and photography related topics. 
Advanced knowledge and proficiency in appropriate desktop publishing and graphic design software for both Macintosh and PC; thorough understanding or printing, production and photography processes. Advanced proficiency in Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator or Freehand, Pagemaker and Lotus Notes. 
Experience in Flash to create website design. 
Project Management experience which demonstrates the ability to prioritize multiple projects and working with cross functional teams. 
Ability to function effectively and professionally under frequent time deadlines. 
Ability to provide unique ideas and concepts to develop projects while staying within a specific budget and branding guidelines. 
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 
Excellent concept and design skills. 
Excellent proofreading ability and an eye for detail. 
Provide examples of design work.
Apply here.

ART DIRECTOR - ROSETTA
Req.#: 1316 Job Code 222 Location: Beachwood, OH 
The Creative and Customer Experience group of Rosetta, located in Tribeca, New York seeks an Art Director with 3+ years experience in advertising or direct marketing. The Art Director will be responsible for creating compelling, insight-driven, customer-focused communications that drive results and enhance our clients' consumer experience-for both online and offline channels. 
Qualifications & Experience
·3+ years experience in an advertising or direct marketing agency 
·Minimum 5 years of print and interactive design 
·Proficient in direct mail print 
·Able to manage multiple projects with minimal supervision in a fast-paced work environment 
· Excellent communication and presentation skills 
·Clear understanding of branding and direct marketing principles 
·Aptitude and desire to learn emerging web tools and technologies 
·Knowledge in HTML/DHTML/JavaScript, and stylesheets/CSS 
·Must possess good conceptual understanding of HTML, color, optimizing images, the capabilities of Web browsers across multiple platforms
Apply here.
 
 

Cleveland Job Bank
Check Kelly Blazek's website for details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed above are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter, for which we are grateful.
To subscribe and get the full list, e-mail the Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website or write to Kelly Blazek. Also see the website for listings of out-of-town job search websites.

Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.
Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search has been retained for the following search assignments:
  • Law Firm Marketing/New Business Director/Cleveland
  • Media Relations Manager/Cleveland
  • Brand Manager/CPG/Big Box/Cleveland
  • 3 AD Agency Account Supervisors/NEO
  • VP/Digital & Social Media/Cleveland Agency
  • EVP/PR Agency/NEO
  • 3 PR Agency Senior Account Executives/Cleveland
  • 4 Financial Services/Wealth Management PR/AD Managers/Cleveland
  • Managing Editor/Chief Content Officer/Cleveland
  • Pharma Sales Trainer/Toledo or Cleveland

 

To apply for any of these current searches, please email your resume as a single MS Word file to MitchellCo17@aol.com.  

www.LaurieMitchellCompany.com .216-292-9936

aboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. It is updated weekly and edited by Carrie Buchanan, John Carroll University journalism educator, assistant editor Emily Gaffney, a John Carroll University student,  and associate editor Dr. Richard Hendrickson. Send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@me.com

Address: Cleveland SPJ,4337 Chanticleer Drive, Fairview Park, Ohio 44126-1906

Chapter e-mail: Cleveland@spj.org

President: Claudia Taller ctallerwrites@wowway.com

SPJ Cleveland Chapter Web site: http://www.spjchapters.org/cleveland/

 

The Society of Professional Journalists works to improve and protect journalism. SPJ is dedicated to encouraging the free practice of journalism and stimulating high standards of ethical behavior. Founded in 1909 as Sigma Delta Chi and based in Indianapolis, SPJ promotes the free flow of information vital to a well-informed public, works to inspire and educate the next generation of journalists, and protects First Amendment guarantees of freedom of speech and of the press.

Events Calendar

There is more information on all these events in the space below

 

Saturday, Jan. 22

The Civic Commons 

debut program

8:30-9 a.m.

WJCU 88.7 FM 

 

Tuesday, Jan. 25
 
PRSA Speed Networking
 
5:30-7:30 p.m.
The Bingham Penthouse Suite,
1278 W. 9th Street in Cleveland

 

Thursday, Jan. 27

Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group General Meeting

6 p.m.  

New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 1 Infinity Corp Center Dr 

#250, Cleveland.

 

 Sunday, Feb. 6  

Media in Flux: 

Can We Still Turn Pages?  

9:30 a.m., First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Boulevard, Shaker Heights

 

Friday, Feb. 25

Entries due (postmarked)

Ohio SPJ Awards 2011 

 

  Sunday, March 27

The Digital Community and Us: How Are We Affected?

9:30 a.m., First Unitarian Church, 21600 Shaker Boulevard, Shaker Heights

Friday, April 1
Philip W. Porter Scholarship application deadline
SPJ Scholarship Committee
c/o Prof. Jae-won Lee
Cleveland State University
2121 Euclid Ave., MU-278
Cleveland, Ohio 44115

SPJ Cleveland announces the Philip W. Porter Scholarship

SPJ Cleveland is now accepting applicants for its annual Philip W. Porter Scholarship competition, which provides $1,000 per year for four years to a student entering college with the intent of practicing journalism upon graduation. The competition is open to 2011 graduating high school seniors in Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Lorain, Medina and Geauga counties. High schools in these counties are encouraged to select one student from the school to apply.

 

Applicants must be in the upper third of their class, nominated by a staff member at the high school, the only nominee from his/her high school, must intend to enter the journalism profession after graduation, and have all application materials must be submitted by April 1.

 

After the Scholarship Committee has reviewed all applications, it will select and interview finalists. The committee will determine the winner within one week after personal interviews.

 

A $4,000 scholarship will be awarded to the winner. The student will be entitled to $1,000 upon entering the college of his/her choice, and $1,000 for each of the next three years as an undergraduate, provided satisfactory grades are maintained and ongoing documentation for proof of same is forwarded each semester to SPJ. Exact reporting requirements will be reviewed with the winner at the time of the award.

 

Application material is available at the SPJ Cleveland chapter website:

www.spjchapters.org/cleveland.

 

Send materials to:

 

SPJ Scholarship Committee, 

c/o Prof. Jae-won Lee

Cleveland State University

2121 Euclid Ave., MU-278

Cleveland, Ohio 44115

 

 

If there are any questions, contact the chair of the SPJ Scholarship Committee,Dr. Jae-won Lee, or the president of SPJ Cleveland, Claudia Taller.


Learn Web design,
HTML and beyond!

Anyone interested in web design and site development, whether you have experience or not, can attend the Cleveland Digital Publishing Users Group General Meeting on Jan. 27: Web Design, HTML and Beyond. The basic principles of web design still apply, but users experience electronic and print media in different ways. This program will prepare you with knowledge that will make you more valuable to your clients.

Long time developers Stuart Smith, Remington Phillips and Bill Kiraly will cover some web technologies you need to understand or at least be aware of, some ways to learn and an introduction to the important differences in how to approach a web project versus how to approach print or static electronic media.

The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 1 Infinity Corp Center Dr # 250, Cleveland, OH. The meeting if free for members and $10 for everyone else.

RSVP is not required but is appreciated. Click here to send RSVP by e-mail. Please include your name and number of people.

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(Be sure to scroll down on the application form and sign up for the Cleveland Pro Chapter, as well as the national SPJ)

Network with other communications pros

 Meet other communications professionals at the Public Relations Society of America Cleveland Chapter's annual Speed Networking event. The event will take place on Tuesday, Jan. 25 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at The Bingham Penthouse Suite, 1278 W. 9th Street in Cleveland.

Fees are $15 for students, $25 for members, and $35 for non-members. The admission fees includes light hors d'oeuvres and drink tickets.

Click here to sign up.
 If you have questions, call PRSA's Greater Cleveland Chapter at (440)899-1112.

Two Sunday forums 
focus on media

The First Unitarian Church's Sunday Forum series has two upcoming sessions of particular interest to journalists.

 

Media in Flux: Can We Still Turn Pages? on Sunday, Feb. 6, will explore the rapidly changing nature of the media and what the repercussions are for this rapid change. Lauren Rich Fine, former Wall Street media analyst and current Kent State University professor, will speak.

 

The Digital Community and Us: How Are We Affected?, will take place on Sunday, March 27. This program will explore what effect media will have on community and personal interaction. Lev Gornik, VP of Information Services and Chief Information Officer at Case Western Reserve University, and Dan Moulthrop, co-director of Civic Commons, a new Northeast Ohio online community, will speak.

 

Both programs are free of charge and will be held at The First Unitarian Church of Cleveland, 21600 Shaker Boulevard, Shaker Heights at 9:30 a.m. For more information call (216)751-2320.

Internships in Journalism
and Communications

SUMMER INTERNSHIP WITH ONLINE, HYPERLOCAL PATCH.COM

Patch.com is a start-up that's radically reinventing community journalism. Launched in February 2009, Patch now operate hundreds of local news sites in towns with populations under 70,000, and it continues to expand.  

Patch is founded on two core principles: that news matters in towns across the country and that we can create a successful business model to sustain it. Even as many newsrooms have been downsized or shut down, Patch is investing millions to create a nationwide network of news sites using our dynamic platform to produce meaningful daily and enterprise journalism and pioneer new forms of storytelling to serve communities. 

We have won acclaim in the industry and coverage in The New York Times, Forbes Magazine, Bloomberg, NPR's "Talk of the Nation," "The News Hour with Jim Lehrer," CBS News, and numerous industry blogs and Web sites. We've recently also announced Patch.org, a new initiative that will allow us to collaborate with local foundations and journalism schools to cover under-served communities.

Patch.com is looking for smart, innovative journalists to join our team as editorial interns this summer. We see this as nothing less than the future of online journalism. Our internships provide a great mix of hands-on work experience, professional development opportunities and social networking. Whether you're reporting on a city council meeting, attending a Patch community event or brainstorming with the editorial team about back-to-school coverage, your contributions matter.

This is a 10-week full-time, paid internship and we have openings in many locations across the U.S.

 For additional information, including details on how to apply, see this website.


PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERNS - CLEVELAND CLINIC

The Cleveland Clinic is now accepting applications for Corporate Communications interns. Interns will receive hands-on training and assist in writing news releases, processing media requests and working on major public relations campaigns.
Cleveland Clinic is a not-for-profit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. It has the country's No. 1 heart center, and it is ranked as the No. 4 hospital in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report.
All internships are full-time, volunteer positions. Free parking and lunch vouchers will be provided. Interns will receive regular feedback, guidance and supervision from staff members. 
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and writing samples to Scott Heasles or Halle Bishoph.

PUBLIC RELATIONS/ COMMUNICATIONS INTERNSHIP - KOINONIA
Koinonia (coin-oh-nee-ah) is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides residential, vocational and career services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) throughout Cuyahoga County. We are the largest provider of IDD services in the county, serving over 270 individuals and employing 500 staff members. Koinonia was established in 1974.
The PR/communications intern will assist the Department of Institutional Advancement and Communications in the creation of promotional materials and events to support the agency's ongoing fundraising, communications and outreach efforts. 
Duties
· Write meaningful stories and information about individuals who have developmental disabilities that we serve (for publication in quarterly newsletters, e-newsletters, and blog) 
· Identify opportunities for promotion of organization 
· Write press releases about Koinonia projects, events and news 
· Proofread copy 
· Assist with internal promotions and fundraising events
We're looking for a strong writer with good people skills, who is a self-starter and shows initiative. We're flexible with your schedule--we ask least 10 hours per week, between the hours of 9 am - 6 pm at our offices in Independence.
Submit an application to Lisa Hofmann, 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 400, Independence, OH 44131 or via e-mail. Or download an application from the Career Opportunities section at koinoniahomes.org.
This is an unpaid internship. Like all employees and regular volunteers, interns must complete a criminal background check as well as be current with TB tests.

 
VIDEO PROMOTIONS INTERNSHIP- KOINONIA
The video promotions intern will assist the Department of Institutional Advancement and Communications in the creation of short promotional videos to support the agency's ongoing fundraising, communications and outreach efforts. This may include interviewing people on camera, shooting footage of an event and shooting B-roll.
Duties
· Shoot footage via Flip camera 
· Edit footage into cohesive videos via Adobe Premiere (or other software) 
· Optimize video for the web (posting on YouTube) 
· Identify good visual and narrative elements for video
We're looking for someone who has shot and edited video and is good with people and a self-starter. The hours for this position may vary based on projects but would generally be between the hours of 9 am - 6 pm at our offices in Independence with some (mileage reimbursed) travel off-site.
Submit an application via e-mail to Lisa Hofmann or mail to
Lisa Hofmann, 6161 Oak Tree Blvd, Suite 400, Independence, OH 44131. Or download an application from the Career Opportunities section at koinoniahomes.org.
This is an unpaid internship. Like all employees and regular volunteers, interns must complete a criminal background check as well as be current with TB tests.