Baptist Standard Employment Opportunities

About the Baptist Standard

The Baptist Standard Publishing Company is a more than 130-year-old nonprofit news partner of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. We publish digitally at least five days a week. We exist to connect God’s story and God’s people to grow God’s kingdom through information, inspiration and challenge. We are committed to the redeeming and reconciling work of Jesus Christ, historic Baptist principles and responsible journalism.

Staff Writer

Full Time with salary and benefits | Reports to Executive director

Principal Function

Responsible for covering and reporting news relevant first to Baptists in Texas, then to Baptists across the U.S. and around the world.

Qualifications

The ideal person is a committed follower of Jesus Christ who views this position as a calling more than a job or career. While preference is given to persons with extensive background in the Baptist denomination, particularly the Baptist General Convention of Texas, those without this background must become proficient in communicating with Baptists.

Required

• Ability to understand the goal, audience and message of the Baptist Standard Publishing Company
• Storytelling: excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate with people at varying levels
• Able to travel across Texas and at least one international trip per year
• Able to navigate Baptist politics and differences respectfully
• Ability to work flexibly, independently and with a team
• Is a self-starter
• Excellent time management, organization and attention to detail
• Familiarity with Associated Press Stylebook, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, and WordPress

Preferred

• Member of a BGCT-affiliated church
• At least a bachelor degree in communications or journalism with 2-3 years of experience in one of those fields
• Able to relate and communicate across cultures
• Working knowledge of DSLR camera operation, photography, and basic photo editing skills
• A confident, even-tempered demeanor
• Commitment to self-improvement
• Located in the Dallas/Fort Worth area

Responsibilities

1. Research and write original articles:
   1. News about state, national and international subjects and events, with priority given to Texas/regional news
   2. Features of interest to readers
2. Attend appropriate conventions and other significant meetings to provide coverage.
3. Provide photographic coverage and enhanced media support for articles as appropriate.
4. Post content to the website daily and prepare the Baptist Standard for distribution weekly.
   1. Other staff will be cross-trained and offer support.
5. Maintain consistent content and format style.
6. Collaborate with the managing editor to plan content to gain maximum readership.
7. In conjunction with Standard staff, promote Baptist Standard Publishing products to Texas Baptists and seek to increase readership.
8. Remain abreast of trends, events and projections concerning the BGCT in particular and religion in general.
9. Confer with Baptist General Convention of Texas communications staff and other BGCT leaders regularly to seek story ideas and build relationships.
10. Provide appropriate communication and reporting for the board of directors, as assigned by the managing editor.
11. Work with news interns.
12. Perform other duties as assigned.

This position is grant-funded for three years from the start date. Our intent is to maintain the position beyond three years.

Submit resumés to Executive Director Eric Black [email protected].

A PDF download of this job description is available here.