Oakland Local is looking for Oakland students who are computer literate, love to write and have deep ties to one or more Oakland communities to work as interns this Spring.

Your job will be work with our staff, local community members, nonprofit staffers and others to write and publish stories on local news and events. You also will work with us to use social media to share those stories and help support conversations on issues and events.

We are looking for 1-2 interns who can work a 10-15 hour a week schedule, with occasional nights and weekends for agreed-upon story coverage. Position is paid with a monthly stipend. We’ll help you become super-sharp in using news as a form of community engagement - and build great skills for the future.

Position Requirements

• Strong writing skills - especially in writing blog posts, newspaper or magazine articles; copyediting and/or multimedia skills a plus;
• An interest in and/or knowledge of Oakland's communities and issues, including struggles for change around public safety, food access, environment, climate, energy and/or sustainability, plus interest in arts, culture, business;
• Ability or interest to take photos/take and edit video;
• Experience using social media: Facebook, Twitter, tumblr, etc.;
• Experience with website writing, graphic design, new media and/or content management a plus; and
• Optimal candidates are interested in media, organizing or social justice careers;
• Candidate must be able to commute to our downtown Oakland space and be available to attend meetings in other parts of the city and do on-spot reporting.
• Note: Owning a laptop computer is a plus. If you don't like to write, please do not apply for this internship.

To apply, please email a cover letter and résumé that details and demonstrates your experience, qualifications and availability, and explains why you feel you would be the right choice for this position to editor[at]oaklandlocal.com.

Also include links to relevant writing samples or other materials to demonstrate your writing skills. 

Local residents, people of color and members of the LGBTQ community are highly encouraged to apply. High school, college and post college all will be considered.

STIPEND: This is a paid position for those who are college and above; if you are a high school student, we'll want to understand what the terms of your internship are (some programs do not allow HS students to be paid).

Application deadline: Feb. 25, 2011

Oakland Local is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to hiring a diversified workforce.

Don't fit the bill, but want to contribute? We welcome new writers, photographers, videographers, etc. If you'd like to help us cover Oakland and the people and issues here - get in touch! editor[at]oaklandlocal.com.

About Susan Mernit

Susan Mernit is the founder of Oakland Local. She is also a circuit rider for The Community Information Challenge, a program of The John S and James L Knight Foundation, and a consultant to non-profit and community organizations. Susan lives in North Oakland, near the Santa Fe school, with her partner Andy, her housemate, a big old dog named Winston, and a yard full of ants. She is an aspiring gardener, a long-time blogger & entrepreneur, and a recovering journalist.