Job Responsibilities
I write copy for and layout the internal newsletter, distributed
weekly to 500 employees in hardcopy at headquarters, and worldwide
electronically to more than 500 additional individuals. I spend
about 20 hours each week finding, writing and editing content, and
around 10 hours each week doing the layout and an hour
distributing copies. Thursday and Friday are "crunch days," when
all final copy is due and I send it for editing by my peers, and
get the document sent to the in-house printing department.
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Job Requirements
There are very basic education/experience requirements. The
workload is fairly light and management feedback or supervision is
scarce. Writing is moderately strict AP, which has a slight
learning curve, in addition to and some of the organization's
internal style requirements.
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Uppers
I do enjoy being able to talk to affiliates, program directors, volunteers and
other employees for interviews and gaining insight into their particular roles.
There have been some great stories I've been able to cover that remind me of the
importance of the organization's work. Seeing a finished product each week is
nice as well, knowing that people around the world are informed and encouraged by
the news that I share.
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Downers
Although deadline is noon on Wednesday, nearly everyone waits
until Thursday to provide final approval or copy to me, which puts
me under a tighter deadline each week. It can be stressful to come
in on Friday morning and find literally pages of changes to be
made in only three hours to print deadline. At times the news is
dry but there is still pressure to put together an engaging
newsletter. There are budgetary and creative restrictions as
well, producing only black-and-white hardcopy and having to stay
pretty professional in writing and presentation style. It is
frustrating to have a great human interest story bumped to
highlight a big donation.
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Lifestyle
Although a 40-hr work week is expected, the workload Monday and Tuesday is
fairly light. The environment is fairly laid back, but when things get busy it
is high-stress and always in fire-fighting mode. Experience writing on deadline
and with limited information and resources is pretty important. Feedback is
practically non-existant, so if you require encouragement or critiques to
evaluate your own performance you're out of luck.
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Compensation
Extended volunteers/interns are paid a stipend of $450/month which
is taxable, and provided modest housing. If you live outside of
the provided housing you are paid $6.08/hr, taxable. Great health
insurance is available for a great price. Days off are generous,
and generally managers are flexible with scheduling. No bonuses.
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Advice to Jobseekers
Be very particular and specific about what your job/position
description entails, and make sure your manager understands your
expectations for feedback, duties, and environment. Pay is
non-negotiable.
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