Assistant Arts & Culture Editor

Are you a journalist obsessed with all things Portland culture, while also being unafraid to lob a truthbomb into the center of it when needed? Do you think like a reporter, write like a novelist and treat even the smallest stories like they’re a Pulitzer waiting to happen—or at least an AAN Award?

It sounds like you might belong at Willamette Week.

WW—or Willy Week, as the cool kids call it—has been at the center of Portland’s cultural conversation for over 40 years, not just through our award-winning weekly newspaper but our bimonthly magazines, branded events and daily web content.

We are looking for a driven, creative and dynamic writer and editor to join our Arts and Culture team. As Assistant A&C Editor, you’ll help us provide the most comprehensive coverage of everything that makes Portland the city we love, and sometimes love to argue about—from food, beer and bikes to music, cannabis, comedy and art. And, of course, the occasional unicycle-riding bagpipe player.

Responsibilities:

• Assigning and editing the weekly Performance and Film sections while also contributing to other sections within the paper, including reviews, profiles and features.
• Helming special projects and magazines, including our annual Restaurant Guide.
• Writing frequent long-form features covering a variety of subjects.
• Producing daily blogs on breaking cultural news.

Requirements:

• Enthusiastic, passionate and curious about arts, entertainment and all aspects of Portland culture, with a willingness to think critically and counterintuitively about them.
• Can develop and maintain sources, and generate ideas and stories no one other media in town is covering.
• Strong organizational skills, and the ability to juggle multiple projects at once.
• Knife-sharp writing skills, preferably with the wit to match.
• Ability to perform effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment with strict deadlines.
• Able to identify emerging trends, pick up information quickly and turn into creative, engaging copy.
• Excellent communicator, both on the page and in person.
• Must thrive in a collaborative setting as part of a small staff.

The ideal candidate is smart, self-motivated and has a unique eye for identifying the things that make Portland such a special city. While a journalism degree is not required, you must have demonstrable experience in writing and editing for publication. Experience with Wordpress and InDesign is a plus.We pay a competitive salary, offer good health care and other benefits.

When applying, please include links to 3-5 published writing samples.

Job Type: Full-time