PublicSource editorial internship
PublicSource is a nonprofit news outlet in Pittsburgh. We write stories with powerful narratives and characters, often beautifully illustrated and supported by data visualization, to explain complex issues in the areas of local government, economic development, education, health, the environment and climate, and gender and identity. Check us out at PublicSource.org.
Interns play important roles in PublicSource’s journalism: checking the facts on stories pre-publication, conducting research for ongoing projects and typically writing stories, individually and in teams with our professional reporters. Interns are mentored by members of our reporting team and have regular and meaningful interaction with editors and the entire staff.
Here’s what we’re looking for in an editorial intern:
- We want someone who goes through life with an eye for untold stories and can figure out how to tell those stories through interviews and research as well as technically sound and creative writing.
- We expect interns to pitch ideas for enterprise stories, work independently and in teams, and communicate with editors about progress toward publication.
- Interns should be able to share stories on social media and have ideas for how all of our stories could get more exposure. (Note: We will check your social media accounts for professionalism.) Interest in other forms of audience engagement is also welcomed.
- Accuracy will be king to the right intern, who will be trained in our fact-checking system and asked to conduct vigorous fact checks.
This is a paid internship. To qualify for the stipend of $2,250, we ask interns to work 15 hours a week for 15 weeks (or another agreed upon schedule). Half of the intern stipend will be paid out eight weeks in and the remainder at the end of the internship. (If that timing of payment is problematic, please reach out to discuss.) If you have a professor who will give you credit, we’re also happy to fill out the forms.
We also cooperate with college programs that provide financial support for internships.
We operate as a hybrid newsroom, between our office in Pittsburgh’s Uptown neighborhood and virtual. We encourage candidates of underrepresented backgrounds to apply.
Questions? Email Managing Editor Rich Lord at rich@publicsource.org.
To apply, please fill out this form by the date indicated in the chart below.
| Semester desired | Applications start | Application deadline |
| Spring | Sept. 1 | Nov. 1 |
| Summer | Nov. 1 | March 15 |
| Fall | May 1 | July 1 |