Job Description
Job DescriptionCompany Description
VERSANT is a leading force in news, sports and entertainment - home to iconic and trusted brands that inspire, inform, and delight audiences. Our unique combination of content, technology and services enriches the cultural fabric, igniting passions, sparking conversations, and connecting people to what they love most.
As an independent, publicly traded company, VERSANT brings together powerhouse cable networks — including USA Network, CNBC, MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), Oxygen, E!, SYFY, and Golf Channel — with dynamic digital and direct-to-consumer brands such as Fandango, Rotten Tomatoes, GolfNow, GolfPass, and SportsEngine. Together, these businesses reflect our commitment to delivering exceptional experiences across every screen and service.
VERSANT is an industry-changing media company fueled by innovation and an entrepreneurial spirit. With a strong foundation and a forward-looking vision, VERSANT empowers creativity, embraces change, and drives connection in an ever-evolving world.
Job Description
MS NOW is seeking a highly organized and enthusiastic Desk Associate to join our Newsgathering team in Washington. This entry-level position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced newsroom environment. The Desk Associate will support the assignment desk with communication, coordination, and content management responsibilities. This role provides excellent opportunities for recent graduates or early-career professionals to learn the basics of reporting and production by observing and working with some of the best, most experienced news professionals at a major news organization.
Duties/Responsibilities:
Desk Associates’ main duties and responsibilities including administrative, operational, and editorial tasks for the MS NOW Washington Bureau.
- Answering Washington Bureau news desk phones.
- Coordinating and gathering incoming news videos.
- Logging news events and flagging news for the bureau’s coverage teams.
- Support the D.C. Newsgathering team with editorial and production tasks during program airings/tapings.
- Greeting guests for news programs.
- Assist in research and other editorial projects and operational needs
Desk assistants’ additional professional opportunities may include:
- Field-producing coverage of news events or elements for news reports.
- Digital journalist camera-shooting of news events.
Producing news reports for various MS NOW offerings across platforms.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
- At least 1 year experience in television production
- Unrestricted work authorization to work in the United States.
- 24/7 availability: ability/willingness to work overtime, nights, holidays, and weekends, often with short notice.
- Must be willing to work in Washington, D.C.
Desired Characteristics:
- Strong journalistic writing skills, research skills, editorial judgment and attention to detail.
- Experience in a newsroom focused on television, video or other multimedia journalism
- Strong interest in and demonstrated knowledge of current affairs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and telephone communications skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft word and outlook e-mail.
- Ability to multi-task and prioritize assignments.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-intensity environment, often under tight deadline pressures.
This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks.
Salary Range: $19.00/hour-$26.00/hour
Additional Information
As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with a VERSANT employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. VERSANT's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to candidateaccessibility@versantmedia.com.
VERSANT is committed to fair and equitable compensation practices. We include a good faith pay range for each position to comply with applicable state and local pay transparency laws and to promote equity across our organization. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as the candidate's skills, qualifications, experience, and location and may include additional forms of compensation and benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, etc.