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  Writer's Week  

Society of Professional Journalists

    Cleveland Pro Chapter Newsletter     

Feb. 2, 2014   

 Deadline For Next Edition: Feb. 12, 2014 

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President's Message

Find out what's going on at The Plain Dealer 

Rodney Bengston
Rodney Bengston

 

Everyone knows that The Plain Dealer and its journalists have seen big changes during the past several months. On Feb. 18, people will have a chance to hear why decisions were made and what might be the next step.SPJ's Cleveland Chapter will present a discussion on "Big Changes. Good Changes? The State of The Plain Dealer" with Thom Fladung, managing editor of The Plain Dealer, on Tuesday Feb. 18 at Market Garden Brewery, 1948 W. 25th St., Cleveland.

 

The event will kick off with a social hour at 5:30 p.m., followed by the presentation at 6:30 p.m. We don't yet have our registration site ready. We'll send out a separate notice with a link to it when we do.  


We are expecting a good crowd, so we urge people to make reservations before the event is sold out.

 

I also would like to pass along a word of thanks to everyone who participated in, including those who simply attended, our recent event on Cleveland's restaurant scene. We drew a nice crowd, despite the frigid weather. We may even do a program on another aspect of the local food scene down the line because of the interest shown by people.

 

Here's to seeing everyone Feb. 18 at the Market Garden Brewery when we have another important discussion.

 

Rodney Bengston

President, SPJ Cleveland 

Applications open for Porter Scholarship

Once again this year, the Cleveland
Pro Chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists is
holding the Philip W. Porter Scholarship competition for 2014 graduating high-school seniors planning a career in journalism in the six Northeast Ohio counties of Cuyahoga, Lake, Ashtabula, Lorain, Medina and Geauga.

 

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 succeeding three years as an undergraduate, provided satisfactory grades are maintained and ongoing documentation for proof of same is forwarded each semester to SPJ.  

  

All applications must be submitted in writing and received by April 1. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 

 

The complete application package, including the cover letter sent to each high school guidance counsellor, eligibility rules and an application form, is attached in PDF format. If you have any problems downloading the form or questions about the scholarship, please contact Dr. Anup Kumar, chair of the Porter Scholarship Committee, at Cleveland State University's School of Communication.  

 

Job opportunities
 
Thanks to Kelly Blazek for her dedication and commitment in seeking out many of the jobs posted below. To receive Kelly's  full newsletter (we only excerpt media-related jobs) see the separate box headlined Cleveland Job Bank.
 
Food and Funds Drive Manager - Cleveland Foodbank

The Cleveland Foodbank seeks a manager responsible for stewarding and enhancing the relationships that the Cleveland Foodbank has with corporations, schools, and organizations who support the Foodbank by conducting food and fund drives. The person in this position serves as the external and internal contact and expert for all food and fund drive related issues, managing all food drive related logistics on behalf of the Foodbank. This position supervises two temporary staff during the Harvest for Hunger Drive. Bachelor's degree (B.A.) from a four-year college or university required. One to two years fund development experience, volunteer management, and/or event planning in nonprofit setting required (or a combination of this experience). Previous management experience preferred. Valid Ohio driver's license and access to a car for appointments, occasional picks up, events, etc. Willingness to work beyond normal working hours if necessary, including evenings and weekends. Candidate should have strong organizational skills with the ability to multitask. Excellent writing and analytical skills, deadline orientation and attention to detail. Ability to work well in a team atmosphere; ability to work independently, as a team player and with a diverse group of people. Proficient computer skills, including experience in proficiency with Microsoft Office and Outlook, Excel spreadsheets, desktop publishing; experience with Raiser's Edge fundraising software preferred. Please include salary requirements in your response.

E-Mail: hr@clevelandfoodbank.org    

 

Events and Publications Coordinator - Koinonia Homes 

Applicants need at least 2-3 years experience producing small to large fundraising and donor cultivation events. Must be extremely detailed-oriented and easygoing, yet have a well defined "get it done" style. Ideal candidate will also have some experience with graphic design software, copyrighting and working with printers, mailing services, volunteers & corporate sponsors. This is a part-time position (20 hours average per week), with flexible hours & considerable freedom to make it your own. If you really want to make a lasting difference this could be the ideal opportunity.

 

 

Apply here.

 

MORNING TALENT - WQAL-FM
Q104 Cleveland's #1 female radio station has an opening for a morning show cast member. Please apply if you are someone who is passionate about production, information, social and digital media. Apply online at www.cbsradio.com and send an audio sample along with 3 reasons why you are unique to cbscleaudio@cbradio.com. CBS Radio is an equal Opportunity Employer.
Required Qualifications We are looking for someone who has an interesting perspective on real life and has the presentation/communication skills to bring it to the Q104 morning show. Preferred Qualifications A minimum of 2 years experience in radio is preferred. 

 

Apply here.  

 

PROGRAM DIRECTOR - CLEAR CHANNEL (WMMS, WAKS, 99X)
Clear Channel Cleveland is seeking an experienced Program Director for the legendary WMMS-FM, WAKS-FM and 99X. Duties include: direct and monitor stations programming and activities in conformance with FCC rules and regulations, company policy and applicable federal, state and local laws, plan and oversee all on-air programming and production, approve all commercial and paid programming content, coordinate with programming and sales staff to plan and executive marketing, promotions and image campaigns, evaluate programming available from distributors, syndicators, and independence producers to recommend acquisitions for broadcast, assume full responsibility of station Programming Department. 

Prerequisites include, but are not limited to, a strong work ethic and previous programming/PD experience in which candidate demonstrated: ratings success, effective talent coaching, strong leadership and communication skills, strategic and tactical strengths, ability to grow digital assets, music skills and PPM knowledge. 
 
 

Apply here. Send packages to

keithabrams@clearchannel.com.

 

SENIOR ASSISTANT DIRECTOR - TTI FLOORCARE
Info and apply here. 

SENIOR DIRECTOR OF PHOTOGRAPHY - GAFFER - TTI FLOORCARE
Info and apply here. 

SENIOR ONLINE EDITOR - TTI FLOORCARE
Info and apply here. 


SENIOR OFFLINE EDITOR - TTI FLOORCARE
Info and apply here.

 MID-LEVEL GRAPHIC DESIGNER - WHITE SPACE CREATIVE

Info and apply here. 

SENIOR UNIVERSITY DESIGNER - CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY 
Info and apply here. 
 
UNIVERSITY DESIGNER - CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY 
Info and apply here. 
 
ART DIRECTOR - F&C EXECUTIVE SEARCH 
Info and apply here.  
 
WEB DESIGNER - NAT'L ASSOC OF COLLEGE STORES' INDICO DIVISION 
Info and apply here. 

CREATIVE MARKETING CO-OP - SHURTECH BRANDS 
Info and apply here.  

 

Cleveland Job Bank

Check Kelly Blazek's website for advice on job-hunting and details on jobs in marketing, public and media relations, development, media, graphics/web design and more. Many of the jobs listed at left are reprinted from Blazek's newsletter.     
To subscribe and get the full list (we only excerpt journalism-related jobs), email Cleveland Job Bank. For more information, go to the website. Please Note: The jobs on Blazek's list are ONLY in communications related occupations.

 

Laurie Mitchell
Marketing & Communications  

Laurie Mitchell Marketing & Communications Executive Search
has been retained for the following assignments:

2 Silver Anvil Caliber PR Agency Account Supervisors / CLE

Web Designer / Content Administrator / .net / CLE

SEO/SEM/Digital Content Specialist / B2B / CLE

Ad Agency Sr. Account Manager / Akron

Agency Account Director, Healthcare / Pharma / CLE   

Innovative Director Marketing, Economic Development / Columbus

Agency VP Strategy / Toledo

COO/Healthcare Marketing Agency / Toledo

Stellar Writer / Professional Services Firm / CLE 

AD Agency Copywriter / mid-level / CLE

AD Agency AE & Account Planner / CLE

 

216-292-9936

 

Events
There is more information on these events and opportunities below, in articles under this column or below the President's Message. For job listings, see lower left; for student internships, see lower right
Feb. 18
The Press Club of Cleveland
Marketing Breakfast
Lockkeepers
8001 Rockside Road
Valleyview
8 a.m.
See details below.

Feb. 18
Big Changes. Good Changes?
The State of the Plain Dealer
with Thom Fladung
Market Garden Brewery
1948 W. 25th Street, Cleveland
5:30 p.m.
Registration required.
See details below.

Feb. 27
Organizing Your Social Media Campaign with Project Management Tools & Techniques   
Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group
New Horizons Computer Learning Center
1 Infinity Corp Center Drive #250
Cleveland

Feb. 27
Grant Writing Workshop
Association for Health Care Journalists
The Open Office, 2843 Washington Blvd. Cleveland Heights
6-8 p.m.
Registration required
See details below

Feb. 27
Writing and Marketing Secrets of Three Fabulous Independents
IABC
Cleveland State University, School of Business
1860 E. 18th Street #220 Cleveland
11:30 a.m.





Plain Dealer changes, good or bad?
SPJ vertical logo for web
SPJ Cleveland is hosting a night with Thom Fladung, managing editor of the Plain Dealer, to discuss the many changes occurring at the region's largest paper. Fladung joined the PD in 2011 after a career at several other newspapers. Here's a bio written when he first became ME.

The Market Garden Brewery is playing host. There's a $5 dollar cover charge for all attendees. That entrance fee gets you admission for the social hour and the Fladung presentation.

The event is Feb. 18. The social hour starts at 5:30 p.m. The presentation will begin 60 minutes later.
Content Marketing

The Press Club of Cleveland is hosting a content marketing breakfast on Feb. 18 at Lockkeepers, 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View OH. 

Joe Pulizzi, founder of the Content Marketing Institute and author of three books, will lead the discussion. 

The breakfast is $25 for members, $35 for non-members and $20 for students.

Register here.

 
Managing a Social Media Campaign
cdpug logo
The Cleveland Digital Publishers Users Group will host a program on implementing management techniques into your social media campaign. 

The event will be held on Feb. 27 and is free to CDPUG members and $10 for guests. The New Horizons Computer Learning Center, 1 Infinity Corp Ctr Dr #250, Cleveland, OH, will play host.

For more information visit the CDPUG website. 
High school essay contest

SPJ vertical logo for webHigh School students can enter SPJ's national High School Essay Contest by answering the question, "Why is it important that we have news media that are independent of the government?" in 300 to 500 words. Submit your writing with an entry form signed by your sponsoring teacher and the $5 entry fee by March 7. For more information and to download the entry form
 
Expanding Freelance Opportunities: Grant Writing
AHCJ logo
Looking to expand your freelance opportunities? 

The Association of Health Care Journalists is hosting grant writing program on Feb. 27 from 6-8 p.m. 

The program will be held at the Open Office, 2843 Washington Blvd. Cleveland Heights. 

Three local experts will share their experiences with Cleveland-based grant writing and give tips on finding  job opportunities:

Sandy Erlanger, Senior Development Officer at University Hospitals

Susan Ackerman, Chair, Health Policy and Planning, Center for Community Solutions

Kim St. John-Stevenson, Principal, InkPlusLLC and a former Grant Administrator at the St. Luke's Foundation

They'll cover what it takes to recognize your transferable grant writing skills and make the mind-shift needed to be a successful grant writer;
tips, tricks and strategies for successful grant writing;
navigating the non-profit landscape; and
how to position and market yourself as a grant writer.

Registration is required. Contact Eileen Beal at eojb@visn.net.

 

Quick Links

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)
Internships for journalism and communication students
LINCOLN ELECTRIC
ASSOCIATE PRODUCT MANAGER

LINCOLN ELECTRIC
CREATIVE SERVICES/GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Info and apply here


MTD PRODUCTS
 
SEASONAL INTERN
GAME PRESENTATION (QTV)
CLEVELAND CAVALIERS
 Info and apply here


DEVELOPMENT INTERN

GORDON SQUARE ARTS DISTRICT

Spring 2014

The Gordon Square Arts District is seeking an intern to help complete the organization's campaign for development through investment in the arts. The student will have the opportunity to work closely with a small staff in a busy fundraising office, be involved in a variety of development activities, and have a hands-on role in the completion of a major capital campaign. He or she will also learn by working within a unique collaboration between three non-profit organizations, experience how the arts can be used as an economic development tool, and be a part of the work

a part of the work required to complete a $30 million capital campaign.  

 

Primary responsibilities would include, but not be limited to:

Working with donor database records and mailing lists for annual fund solicitations and mailings;
Compiling GSAD historical archives of photos, newsletters and press into succinct, useable format;
Organizing hard copy donor record files;
Assisting with marketing projects and materials, including maintaining information packet materials;
Assisting in fundraising initiative and event implementation;
Conducting prospect research;
Assisting with general prospect and donor activities, and
Other duties as assigned.

 

Ideal candidates would be available to work at least 2 days per week, 3-4 hours per day. GSAD will accommodate a student schedule, provide mentorship, and complete necessary requirements for the student to qualify for school credit.

 

Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to Development Manager Theresa Schneider.

 

infoaboutusWriter's Week is a service of the Cleveland chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists. This e-newsletter is edited by Carrie Buchanan, assistant professor, Tim Russert School of Communication & Theatre Arts, John Carroll University, and assistant editor Chris Mosby, a reporter, editor and graduate of John Carroll University.

Please send news items and job & internship postings to spjcleveland@gmail.com    

 

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

Chapter email: Cleveland@spj.org

President: Rodney Bengston  

Chapter web site:  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.