In Leonard Pitts Jr.'s article "We were young for one, brief shining moment" which appeared in The Plain Dealer on Jan. 23, Pitts takes us to the day when John F. Kennedy delivered his inaugural address, which was 50 years ago.The sentimental piece quotes Kennedy as saying, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country." It states that Kennedy challenged us to give to our country, which "had a bracing effect upon us, for it gave voice to an invigorating ideal:that we were more than just flotsam in the current of human events, more than just impotent witnesses to the triumphs and tragedies of our day, that we had an obligation to our nation, and that in meeting it, we could change the world." This challenge led us to go into the service, the Peace Corps and public service, and gave voice to those who fought for equal rights and an end to a senseless war during the volatile 1960s.The people at that time who were young, but old enough to change the way we lived, were suddenly empowered.Pitts feels we have lowered our expectations and become cynical in the 50 years since Kennedy's speech and that we have never managed to be quite that young again.

The article affected me emotionally and intellectually. I am too young to have heard the speech or to remember the day Kennedy died. I was not old enough to make a difference, but my father, who marched in Washington with Civil Rights leaders and anti-war demonstrators, was. I remember the latter part of that decade and the violence we watched on television news while eating dinner. In recent years I have wondered where the anti-war demonstrators are, and I'm still wondering.Today's generation is not so young as the generation who came of age in the 1960s. 

What does this mean for journalists?  First of all, if we write a piece that touches our readers, we're making a difference.  Second of all, if we challenge the readers to action, we're starting to change the world. Lastly, think about what it means to be young and unafraid to try to make a difference and change the world. It's a challenge that if we don't embrace, we have not done as well as we can.

 Anyone want to stage a sit-in with me?

Join us for lunch on Feb. 23, when SPJ Cleveland and the

National Association of Black Journalists will host Debra Adams Simmons as the special guest speaker.

Simmons, the new editor in chief of the Plain Dealer, came to Cleveland as the PD's managing editor in 2007, and was previously editor in chief of the Akron Beacon-

Debra Adams Simmon

Journal. She has also worked at the Detroit Free Press, The Virginia  Pilot, the Hartford Courant and the Syracuse Herald-Journal.
 

Originally from Hartford, Conn., Simmons earned her

bachelor's degree from

Syracuse University's Newhouse School of Public Communications and the College of Arts and Sciences. She is a graduate of the Northwestern University Media Management Center's Advanced Executive Program in its Kellogg Graduate School of Management.

In addition, Simmons is on the board of directors of the Associated Press Managing Editors and is a member of the American Society of News Editors, where she has served on the First Amendment, diversity and international committees.

 

It's hard to think of anyone better qualified to talk about the state of the news business today and the challenges of leadership.
 

The luncheon will be held in the Pogue Room at the City Club, 850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44114. Cost is $20 for members, $25 for non-members and $17 for students, and includes the buffet lunch.
 

Space is limited so RESERVE ONLINE now!

 

 

 

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. 

 

The Greater University Circle Neighborhood Voice  

 

1. Cover Story Writer

Qualifications: Strong interviewing, reporting and fact-checking skills; strong proficiency in grammar, punctuality, sentence, story structure and headline writing; ability to dig deep into issues; proficient in Associated Press style; creative and personable; deadline driven; positive attitude, team mentality.   

Compensation is between $300 -$400 for 900 words.

 

2. Online editor

Responsibilities: Pitch two to three story ideas weekly; write 100-400 word articles for print and online publication; post new stories or transfer stories from print edition to website once per week (every Friday); adhere to Associated Press Style and Neighborhood Voice editorial guidelines; must be available during production night (the last Monday of each month until June); assist in "final read" process during production.

 

Qualifications: At least two to three years (sophomore, junior or graduate level) print

journalism education/experience with a focus on newspaper, magazine or online reporting; strong research and interview skills; strong command of grammar ("The Elements of Style" preferred) and the Associate Press Style book; must be an organized self-starter who can handle responsibility and work well in a team environment; quick learner; strong work ethic; positive attitude, team mentality; deadline driven and dependable.

This is a paid position. (15 hours per week; Three days per week.)

 

3.Freelance Copy Editor

Responsibilities: Line-edit copy for publication; check for grammar, punctuality and structure.

Write concise and creative headlines, a MUST; must be available on our production night, which is the last Monday of each month until June.

 

Qualifications: Experience copy editing school publications is preferred, but not required; strong proficiency in grammar, punctuality, sentence, story structure and headline writing; ability to make reasonable and fair editorial decisions; proficient in Associated Press style and "The Elements of Style;" creative and personable; strong work ethic; positive attitude, team mentality.

This is a paid, freelance position.

 

Applicant should possess some knowledge of the Evergreen Cooperatives business model. For information please visit www.evergreencoop.com

 

Please email resumes to:info@neighborhood-voice.com or mail to the following:

 

Greater University Circle Neighborhood Voice

Attn: Publisher/(Position Sought)

1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 1510

Cleveland, OH 44115-2001

 

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, INDUSTRY WEEK, MANUFACTURING & SUPPLY CHAIN
Penton is seeking an Associate Editor to join the Industry Week team in the Cleveland office.
IndustryWeek, the magazine and Website serves senior executives in U.S. manufacturing. IndustryWeek supplies manufacturing executives and operations management with information and insight into key issues, strategies, trends and technologies to help them advance their organizations in today's highly competitive global economy.
Duties and Responsibilities:Reporting on manufacturing technology issues for the magazine, Website and e-newsletters.
Develop online and print news and feature articles, and deliver interesting, accurate copy on tight deadlines. Contributes to events such as IW's Best Plants Conference and Excellence in Action plant tours.
Position Qualifications: At least three years of journalism experience and a broad understanding of the key issues facing manufacturing leaders. Proven ability as a skilled editor and writer, is adept at creating both digital and print products, is a team player, and is capable of playing a role in developing new initiatives for the property.
Most possess and exhibit a high degree of energy, strict attention to detail and an acute sense of creativity.
Apply to: laura.desler@penton.com .Subject: Associate Editor, Industry Week

SEO CONTENT SPECIALIST - ROSETTA
Req. # : 1342
There are three main areas of concentration for content specialists: onsite optimization, offsite optimization, and content strategy. Content specialists can choose one area to focus on or more than one, based on their individual interests and skills. 
Onsite Optimization
Ideally a Web page will have 250-500 words on a page and custom title and Meta tags that use 3-6 keywords. By using these keywords throughout, a theme for that page will become more evident to the search engines. The keywords selected for a particular page should be weaved throughout the page's content and code. Keywords with the most monthly searches should be used in the most prominent positions, such as starting a title tag. Onsite optimization tasks include, but are not limited to:Conducting keyword research; Writing title, Meta description and ALT tags; Writing on-page copy; Optimizing on-page copy; Identifying and optimizing header tags 
Offsite Optimization 
Many tactics are utilized to increase the number of inbound, relevant links to pages on a site. Quality inbound links serve as a "vote" for that page by another, and help the search engines to 1) Understand the page content; 2) Establish that the page is worth being linked to; and 3) Judge the page as an authority on a certain topic. 
Press releases and articles are syndicated online to increase the number of links into the client's site. At least one link is created by including the site's URL in the boilerplate. Some newswire sites allow more links to be embedded in the press release, so we create links using keywords as anchor text, pointing to relevant, lower level pages on the site. The links should be spread out within the release, with only 3-4 links per release. 
Offsite optimization tasks include, but are not limited to: Writing press releases / articles ; Optimizing press releases / articles; Adding optimized boilerplate to press releases; Embedding links from keywords to selected pages on Web site; Identify target industries for PRWeb and 24-7PressReleases.com; Syndicate press releases and articles based on client strategy 
Content Strategy 
Each client may need a unique approach to onsite and offsite content. A press release process deliverable and an article strategy already exist to help educate clients on our tactics. Additional strategies should be developed, based on the following steps: Analyze Web site to determine if more content is needed on- or offsite; Review existing press room to see what type of release topics are being created currently; Optimize any recent, existing press releases and have the optimized version reposted to site; Determine if industry would benefit from original articles; Post articles somewhere on site and/or syndicate them online to create links

Job Requirements:2 + years work experience in developing interactive content; Deep experience in creating content migration, sourcing, and maintenance plans, taxonomies, working with content management systems, digital asset management, databases and SEO best practices; Strong knowledge of content strategy and online user interaction best practices; Demonstrated ability to lead content strategy throughout the entire web development process; Thorough understanding of how to communicate effectively in a digital environment; Expert level attention to detail; Experience collaborating on design of complex web sites and evaluating web interfaces; Ability to analyze customer needs and define strategies for meeting them; Knowledge of Internet-based business, e-Commerce models, and financial services is a plus; Ability to partner and collaborate with internal and external teams; Excellent verbal and written communication and presentation skills; Excellent organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects 
If you are looking for a high profile position with plenty of room for growth and leadership, this is the opportunity for you. We offer a competitive salary, benefits, performance bonuses, and a great working environment.
Apply here.

ANCHOR/REPORTER - WTAM RADIO
Newsradio WTAM 1100 has a full-time opening in its award-winning news department. Duties include covering local news events and anchoring newscasts. The applicant should have field and "behind the mic" experience, strong writing skills and a passion for broadcasting. Web skills, including video and photo editing are a plus. Closing Date: 2/14/2011 
Send audio CD's or mp3's and written resumes to:
Darren Toms
Director of News Operations
6200 Oak Tree Blvd.
Suite 400
Independence, OH 44131
dtoms@wtam.com

SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER - HIGHLAND PR
Immediate need for an award-winning designer to take the reins of our design department. This job is for the designer who thrives on variety, as the Senior Graphic Designer will have responsibilities that encompass the entire design process from concept to press-check; they will oversee and share all design-related responsibilities within the agency including identity design, campaign development and implementation; and advertising design and submission. They will also be share responsibility for interactive media design and implementation. The Senior Graphic Designer will work directly with the agency's other graphic designer and account managers, as well as vendors including printer reps, photographers and others as needed for completion of projects. Learn more atwww.highlandpr.com/Join_the_Team/ 
Apply to/get more information from Leigh Greenfelder at lg@highlandpr.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - FABER-CASTELL/CREATIVITY FOR KIDS 
Date Posted: Jan 19 2011 
As an integral member of the FCUSA Creative Team this individual will foster a "Team-Focus Approach" essential in maintaining the "Team" culture we value in our organization
Create designs, concepts and layouts based on knowledge of aesthetic design concepts. 
Determine arrangement of illustrative material and copy and select style and size of fonts.
Develop graphic solutions for product packages, instructions, collateral materials and marketing.
Prepare illustrations or rough sketches for presenting concepts.
Maintain archive of all images, photos and final work
Use computer software to generate new images 
Use creativity and knowledge to assist in the development of original concepts
Requirements:
1-3 Years Graphic Design Experience Preferred
Ability to create graphics from thumbnails to production ready designs
Ability to organize working files in a clear and orderly fashion
Macintosh User
Proficient in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and InDesign required
Knowledge of Flash, QuarkXPress and Freehand a plus
Ability to work in fast-paced environment
Ability to accept criticism and design critiques with a positive attitude
Good written and verbal communication skills
Dynamic self-starter possessing a high degree of independent thinking and strong problem solving skills.
Creative individual with a keen sense in identifying design trends
Experience in package design a plus. 
Please submit a portfolio of samples of your creative work with your resume in JPEG or PDF 
We encourage applicants to familiarize themselves with our products and brand style by visiting our website at www.creativityforkids.com and www.fabercastell.com
Please include your compensation expectations with your resume in order to be considered a candidate for this position. Apply here.

WEB DESIGNER - TEMPORARY - TORCH GROUP EXECUTIVE SEARCH
Role is Interim - 12 weeks Location: Akron, OH
JOB DESCRIPTION:
One of Northeast Ohio's largest retail companies seeks a Web Designer for a 3 month, full-time contract assignment that may convert to a full-time position for the right person. The position has the overall responsibility of providing design and front end coding for extensive regional email marketing campaigns as well as web page, collateral and print work in support of the web design team. 
EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION:
· Minimum of 3-5 years web design and development experience.
· Retail experience preferred.
· HTML, Dreamweaver, Flash, Java 
· Bachelor's degree in graphic arts, design, or other related field.
SKILLS/CHARACTERISTICS:
· Take direction; work independently.
RATE: Commensurate with experience. 
Apply here.

   

• Law Firm Marketing/New Business Director/Cleveland
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• 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
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• Pharma Sales Trainer/Toledo or Cleveland

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