vertical logoWriter's Week
 Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter
 Feb. 11, 2011  (Next deadline Feb. 16)  
  

Stay tuned for the upcoming 

SPJ Cleveland photo contest


The next major initiative of SPJ Cleveland is on the verge of being announced, and we want to let you know it's coming! It's a photo contest - a joint venture between the Cleveland Pro chapter and the John Carroll University campus chapter, which will launch in the coming week and wind up in April with a three-week display in the Dolan Art Gallery at John Carroll April 11 to May 1, and closing ceremonies in the auditorium of the same building on Sunday, May 1, from 2-4 p.m.

Information will be forthcoming by e-mail and on the chapter website. We are just putting the finishing touches on the documents you'll need to enter the contest and bios of the list of judges who will be participating.

SPJ Cleveland Program Committee Chair and Vice-President Audrey McCrone has been hard at work organizing things, with help from the John Carroll campus chapter. We think you're really going to like it!

You will be getting a special e-mail announcing the launch in the next few days. Watch for it.

 

Sunshine Summit coming up Feb. 26

Preparations are under way for the Ohio University SPJ and RTDNA chapters' "Sunshine Summit," bringing together student journalists and professionals from Ohio and beyond to discuss press freedom issues confronting student journalists.

 The conference will include a series of panels, guest speakers and breakout sessions that will educate journalists throughout Ohio about current laws regarding access to information, university policies and how to protect the FOI rights of student journalists. 

The summit is Feb. 26 at the Walter Hall Rotunda on the campus of Ohio University. For more information,
visit the summit website or follow the event on Twitter at @OHSunSummit.

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 four weeks!

The official Call for Entries is now available online here. Download the awards program PDF, read the rules and regs and print the forms that follow those. And 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.
 

SPJ Cleveland announces 2011

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 will be posted as soon as possible on 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.


Journalist to speak at Case Western 
on changing roles of China & the U.S.

How is the role of the United States changing as China rises to one of the world's foremost powers? 

Author and journalist Orville Schell will give a talk, "China's Rise and Its Impact on Almost Everything," sponsored by Case Western Reserve University's Baker-Nord Center for the Humanities.  Schell will discuss how China's economic rise is influencing U.S. and China relations and the global balance of political and military power.  

The program begins at 6 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 24, in the Wolstein Auditorium, 2103 Cornell Rd.

As the director of the Asia Society's New York-based Center on U.S.-China Relations, Schell leads programs on the environment, media and foreign policy reforms in order to promote U.S.-China dialogues rooted in a mutual respect toward one another's cultural and political traditions and values. 

In his talk, Schell will draw from his vast experiences as a veteran journalist, who has reported for The New York Times Magazine, Harpers, The New Yorker, TIME, Wired and Foreign Affairs and contributed on topics related to China for PBS, NBC and CBS where he won an Emmy Award for a 60 Minutes program.

Registration is recommended by visiting case.edu/humanities.  For information, contact Maggie Kaminski at the Baker-Nord Center at 216.368.2242 or maggie.kaminski@case.edu.

 

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. 

 

GENERAL ASSIGNMENT REPORTER, THE GREATER UNIVERSITY CIRCLE NEIGHBORHOOD VOICE

 

The candidate should be a college student (junior, senior or graduate level) with print journalism experience (school newspaper or magazine), who produces strong copy. This is not a training position; the student MUST know how to write news and feature stories and file copy that needs basic editing. A journalism major is preferred, but not required.The student must adhere to Associated Press Style, pitch two to three stories per week; write three to five 70-600 word articles for the print edition (which is a monthly) and possess some knowledge of our eight neighborhoods, which include Buckeye-Shaker, Central, East Cleveland, Fairfax, Glenville, Hough, Little Italy and University Circle.

 

We are looking for a hard working, enterprising student to replace one of our strongest student writers who will resign at the end of this month.   The ideal candidate is enterprising, deadline driven (able to turn around copy in less than two hours), creative and willing to interview a range of people from residents to politicians without fear (smiles).  

 

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

 

Please email resumes here or mail to the following:

 

Greater University Circle Neighborhood Voice

Attn: Publisher/(Position Sought)

1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 1510

Cleveland, OH 44115-2001

 

FREELANCE REPORTERS, PATCH.COM

Patch.com, a new online community news source, is looking for freelancer reporters to cover a wide variety of topics on Cleveland's west side, from business to family issues to human interest stories. We're looking for writers to take on as few as one or as many as four stories per week. Photo skills are a plus and video skills are even better.

Rate: $25-$75 depending on the article.

To apply: Email resume and three clips to kate.spirgen@patch.com, subject: Freelance Application

 

ASSOCIATE EDITOR, INDUSTRY WEEK 

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

 


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 here. To apply, e-mail Leigh Greenfelder.

GRAPHIC DESIGNER - FABER-CASTELL

CREATIVITY FOR KIDS 
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.

   

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:

  • Graphics Presentation Specialist/Power Point Maven/urgent
  • 2 Directors of Internal Communications/Cleveland
  • Law Firm Marketing/New Business Director/Cleveland
  • 2 Media Relations Managers/Cleveland
  • Brand Manager/CPG/Big Box/Cleveland
  • 3 AD Agency Account Supervisors/NEO
  • VP/Digital & Social Media/Cleveland Agency/Cleveland
  • EVP/PR Agency/NEO
  • 3 PR Agency Senior Account Executives/Cleveland

To apply for any of these current searches, please e-mail your resume as a single MS Word file 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.

Debra Adams Simmons

Come and meet

the PD's new editor!

  

Registration is now closed for the SPJ Cleveland and the National Association of Black Journalists sponsored luncheon event on Feb. 23, featuring Debra Adams Simmons as the special guest speaker. The event had a limited space and filled quickly.

 

Simmons, the new editor 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-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 buffet style, 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.   

 

  

NABJ logo

spj logo horizontal  

 

Events Calendar

There is more information on most of these events in the space below

 

 

Wednesday, Feb. 23

Meet the Plain Dealer's new Editor

Debra Adams Simmons

This event is sponsored jointly by

SPJ Cleveland and the National Association of Black Journalists 

City Club, Pogue Room

850 Euclid Ave., Cleveland

12 noon  

 

Thursday, Feb. 24

"China's Rise and Its Impact on Almost Everything" 

6 p.m., Wolstein Auditorium,  

2103 Cornell Road, Cleveland 

 

Friday, Feb. 25

Entries due (postmarked)

Ohio SPJ Awards 2011 

Get rules & application form here  

 

Saturday, Feb. 26

Sunshine Summit

Ohio University

Athens, Ohio

 

  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
Download application form on the
chapter website

April 4 Deadline
April 11-May 1 Display
May 1 Closing Ceremonies
SPJ Cleveland Photo Contest
Dolan Hall
John Carroll University
Details coming soon...
Quick Links
More About Us

Contact the Editor

Contact Chapter President

Journalist's Toolbox

SPJ Freelancer Directory


SPJ Job Bank

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

No need to wait around for Superman 

 Several student media advisers concerned about the fate of journalism in high schools across the country have started a website to serve as a clearinghouse for teachers who need help fighting the elimination or reduction of their school's programs.


The advisers call their group the Scholastic Journalism Institute, and they encourage people who are concerned about the future of journalism in secondary education to check out their site at
thinkSJI.org. The site includes a map of recent program cuts and urges educators to push harder against growing efforts to drop journalism programs in high schools.

REPORTERS INSTITUTE

Since 2007, SPJ has held the Reporters Institute program to benefit early-career journalists. Graciously funded by the Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, the program brings 36 reporters together for three days of training, networking and camaraderie. 

  The Institute was developed by industry trainers and young journalists who were dealing with the same challenges participants face every day. Those in years 1-3 of their career are invited to apply for the June 12-15 (broadcast and video) or July 10-13 (print and writing) programs. Learn more and apply for the program here.


SEEKING GOVERNMENT TRANSPARENCY


Public Radio International, The Center for Public Integrity and Global Integrity are collaborating on a high-profile project to rate each state's risk for corruption. The effort represents the first in-depth, data-driven account of government transparency and anti-corruption mechanisms in all 50 states, using on-the-ground reporting, high-quality data analysis and citizen engagement. 

 The project is hiring reporters on a $5,000 stipend and requires part-time work between April and December with reporters spending roughly 100-125 hours on and off in the second half of this year. Timetables can vary depending on the reporter's schedule. Find out more about the project, or contact Caitlin Ginley.


Sunday forum
to focus on digital media

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

 

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.

 

The program is 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

 

PUBLIC RELATIONS INTERN - LANDAU PUBLIC RELATIONS

Landau Public Relations is now accepting applications for its summer internship program - The Landau Summer Experience. Students who have completed their junior year with a sound academic record and a passion to learn more about our industry are invited to apply. 

This program will give you hands-on experience at a public relations agency. You'll learn from all of our areas of expertise, and in return, we'll help you build your portfolio with solid writing examples and real results. This is a paid, full-time internship (June - August 2011) in Cleveland. 

Ready to start your future this summer? Visit here 

 and print an application. For more information, contact Alicia Gauer at 

agauer@landaupr.com 

No phone calls, please.

DEADLINE: Friday, March 4, 2011

 

CONTENT & PRODUCTION INTERN CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Cleveland Browns Content & Production Department is looking for qualified, highly motivated individuals to assist throughout the 2011 NFL calendar year. Candidates must be organized, quick learners and able to work under strict deadlines.

Job Responsibilities

· Shooting practice and games, as well as organizational events 

· Lighting and shooting interviews 

· Producing, scripting and editing video features 

· Logging, digitizing and labeling footage 

· Live audio operation (for press conferences/interviews) 

· Output video features to multiple tape and digital formats 

· Administrative and other duties - as assigned 

Desired Qualifications

· Must have experience shooting and editing sports, preferably football 

· Knowledge of Adobe After Effects and Adobe Photoshop a plus 

· Excellent knowledge of video editing principles (non-linear). 

· Working knowledge of Avid Media Composer. 

· Experience using video encoding software, such as Sorenson Squeeze. 

· Working knowledge of Microsoft Office 

· Exceptional time management and organizational skills, with the proven ability to multi-task 

· Outstanding communication skills 

· Ability and willingness to work non-traditional hours (including nights, weekends and holidays). 

· Must be self-motivated 

· Team player

Apply here. 

 

MEDIA AND TRAFFIC INTERN - POINT TO POINT

Point to Point is searching for a Traffic and Media Intern, with the possibility of full time employment upon completion. You will be responsible for media research, planning and buying functions as well as assisting the Production Manager with daily workflow. This position requires a can-do attitude that is backed by a strong passion to learn and go above and beyond what has been asked to help our clients succeed. If you are a resilient and determined problem solver who is resourceful and accountable, you just might be the rock star we are looking for.

Requirements

Proven problem-solver

Demonstrated deadline orientation with strong follow through

Independent thinker and doer (self-starter), Results driven, Analytical thinker

Understanding of media planning and buying principles

Effective communicator, Strong negotiation skills, Ability to multi-task

Strong attention to detail, Highly organized, Team player, Comfortable in a fast-paced environment

Affinity towards technology and interactive media

One internship or relevant work experience

Must be a senior with an expected graduation of Spring or Summer 2011

Responsibilities

Media research, planning and buying, Vendor negotiation, Insertion/purchase order generation

Invoice reconciliation, Project management, Scheduling/traffic monitoring

Proofreading, Quality control and testing, Obtain ad specifications, Ad fulfillment

Analytics setup and reporting, Ad placement monitoring

Are you ready to learn more? If you believe you are cut out for this role, contact us today. Drop us your resume and cover letter by email at

heyreadthis@pointtopoint.com 

In the subject line, be sure to reference the job title Traffic and Media Intern.