PlacesForBikes Blogger

PeopleForBikes (PFB) seeks a part-time writer to create, organize, and manage content related to building better biking quickly. This includes writing stories, blogs, taking or acquiring images/video of the progress toward building new facilities/networks to use alongside written content, and managing interactions on social media. Stories can include celebrations of new projects, works-in-progress, technical details about implementation, interviews with key supporters, people who use the new facilities, and others.

In addition to delving into the details of what cities are facing and accomplishing, the PlacesForBikes writer will cover national trends and overarching themes across cities. We expect coverage to be fair and factual, but not directly critical of local efforts. In addition to creating the content for the blog, the PlacesForBikes writer will be tasked with finding other key contributors to the blog, increasing cross-posting of content on other relevant blogs and news sources, and growing readership to the blog.

The content is target at city builders who influence elected officials and other decision-makers to build better places for bikes including business owners, key city staff, nonprofit directors, church officials, political donors, political operatives, locally respected policy wonks, local-foundation grant officers, and the most politically savvy tier of biking advocates.

Other writing projects could include editorials for news sources, feature stories for magazines, case studies for in- house publication, etc.

Responsibilities include:

•   Produces, organizes, and manages all content related to PlacesForBikes programs and other writing projects as assigned

•   Acts as the official writer for PlacesForBikes content, including editorials, feature stories, case studies, and project reporting

•   Develops an editorial plan annually

•   Collaborates in the ongoing development of the PeopleForBikes and PlacesForBikes brands

•   Works closely with the PlacesForBikes staff to adhere to budget guidelines and deliver on editorial

  objectives

•   Manages relationships with other blog contributors

•   Assists in the ongoing development of the PlacesForBikes website, particularly as it relates to the blog

•   Monitors and analyzes readership on the blog and strives to increase it

•   Pitches blog content to other relevant blogs and news sources

•   Monitors and records placement of blog content

•   Manages content and interactions on PlacesForBike social media accounts including Facebook & Twitter

•   Attend and participate in (via phone or skype) weekly PlacesForBikes staff meetings

•   Travel occasionally as needed to write about the progress toward building better biking quickly

•   Other duties as assigned

  Required qualifications:

•   Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or related field

•   At least five years prior experience writing for a news outlet or blog

•   Familiarity with bicycling-related efforts of city government

•   Superior connections and contacts in the blogging world

•   Understanding of city planning jargon and the ability to write technically as well as translate for a broader

  audience

•   Experience managing and creating content for the web

PeopleForBikes is a dynamic, evolving organization where responsibilities are likely to change and grow, particularly

based on the specific talents the successful candidate brings to the role. All members of our team take on new duties

as needed.

•   Skills in photography and simple videography

•   Working knowledge of HTML

•   Ability to cooperate and communicate effectively with co-workers, supervisor and outside contacts

•   Excellent verbal and written communication skills

•   Excellent organizational skills

•   Team-oriented and able to accept ideas and strategy from other individuals

•   Work well under pressure

•   Attentive to detail

•   Self-directed and able to carry out assignments without supervision

•   Willing to travel occasionally

•   Enthusiasm for bicycling in all its forms

  Compensation and benefits:

  This “at will” position offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience. In addition, a comprehensive benefits package is offered, which includes health insurance, generous paid time off and optional participation in a deferred compensation plan.

  To apply:

  Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and two writing sample via email with “PlacesForBikes Blogger” in the subject line to [email protected].

  The position will remain open until filled. Telephone inquiries will not be accepted. PeopleForBikes is an equal opportunity employer.