GREAT NEWS! The Portland Mercury is currently looking for a full-time Music Section Editor to join our small, dynamic, hard-working editorial staff. Are you a smart, thoughtful writer filled with passion, hustle, and the desire to share your love for—and critiques of—the Portland music scene? This is an excellent position for an engaging writer with deep knowledge of local and national music who believes that a strong arts scene makes for a stronger city. If you have experience and love for other areas of arts and culture (including food, nightlife, comedy, theater, film, books, visual art, and more), that’s even better. A degree in journalism isn’t required, but possessing basic reporting chops is a necessity. 

Requirements 

  • Snappy, smart writing paired with a passion for digging deep into the music scene and other areas of cultural significance. The ability to write about various music genres with respect and through research is required. At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
  • Must be familiar with, participate in, and have a deep knowledge of Portland’s vibrant, multi-faceted music scene. 
  • Must be extremely organized and versatile, able to write longer reviews as well as short blurbs, and report on breaking music news. You should have the ability to devise and execute fresh story ideas with little to no hand-holding and adhere to deadlines. You will also be asked to write for and help produce our print products and contribute content to our weekly entertainment calendar. 
  • Must possess exceptional grammar and style skills, and the ability to proofread your colleagues’ work.
  • Also required: enthusiasm, professionalism, people skills, the ability to weather critical feedback from readers, and a good sense of humor! 
  • At least two years of experience in culture writing is preferred, and special consideration will be given to those who have worked in a newsroom. 
  • Previous editing experience is recommended, as well as the demonstrable ability to manage freelancers.

This is a full-time position with a starting annual salary of $70,000. This is a full-time, union position. Applicants should live in the Portland metro area or be able to relocate for the job. Ideally, you’ll have a familiarity with the area. Our general work schedule is Monday-Friday, but you will be asked to work some evenings and weekends. And just so you know, the Mercury is a really fun place to work with nice people who treat each other with respect.

Note: We know that not everyone receives the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don’t meet all the above qualifications, but still think you’d be a good fit, please apply! We especially encourage people from underrepresented communities, including people of color, members of the LGTBQ+ community, women, and people with disabilities to consider this position.

Interested applicants should send us a résumé, links or PDFs to at least three published pieces, four brief story ideas, and a cover letter that won’t bore us to death.

Interested in applying? Or know someone who might be? APPLY HERE! Deadline is Monday, June 29.