Student Journalist (Part-Time) - Editorial Trainee

Company Description

Torstar Corporation is a progressive media organization with a long, proud history in newspapers and a passion for capitalizing on the fluid world of digital and mobile media. Torstar’s vision for success is driven by a deep customer‑centric obsession, continued journalistic excellence, advanced data‑driven competency and a culture that is selfless, focused, agile, collaborative and results driven.

Our Commitment To Diversity

We strive to be a leader in building and cultivating an employee community framed around fairness, support and opportunity. We believe what makes us different, makes a difference. And as a team, the diversity of our backgrounds, interests and experiences is what enriches our work, and our workplaces. We welcome all, and we strive for an inclusive culture that allows individual growth and shared success.

Job Description

The role: The Toronto Star is looking for current post‑secondary students to staff our digital monitoring hub (historically known as our radio room).

Students work with full‑time staff in a challenging but supportive environment in a paid, contract position.

We cannot accommodate volunteers, short‑term placements, or co‑op students.

What would you do?

• Conduct regular checks with police, fire, and paramedics
• Monitor social media and other sources for breaking news
• Provide quick tips to the newsroom
• Original reporting for all the Star’s platforms

Details

• You must be eligible to work in Ontario and a current post‑secondary student
• Students enrolled in schools located outside of the GTA are welcome to apply, but a base knowledge of the region is an asset
• We hire three times a year for four‑month stints in line with the school semesters (Fall, Winter, Summer)
• The program is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week
• The shifts are 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., 4 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. and 12 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. with a 30‑minute break
• You must be able to work a minimum of two shifts a week and be available for a variety of shifts including weekend, weeknight and overnight
• A full, unrestricted Ontario driver’s license is not required for this position
• This role is represented by Unifor Local 87‑M.
• Salary – $20.64 hourly

Qualifications

• Passionate about breaking news
• Calm, well‑organized and able to juggle multiple tasks at once
• Able to persuade sometimes reluctant officials to provide information
• Prepared to speak with victims of crime and accidents
• Well‑versed in CP style

How to apply

To apply, upload a single PDF to our online portal containing:

• Your pitch (cover letter): In 100 words or less, tell us what you bring to the Star. Why you? Why now? (Note: We value brevity. Consider this your first assigned word count. Don’t go over.)
• Resume: Include your email, phone and current city
• Three published clippings:
  • Links must be accessible (no paywalls)
  • We want to see journalism, not homework. Clips from campus newspapers or independent/community outlets are welcome; unpublished essays/assignments written for class grades are not.

Application should demonstrate:

• A range of story‑telling skills, with a strong emphasis on news coverage
• Proven ability to report thoroughly, write well and organize information
• A demonstrated commitment to journalism as a career
• Strong interpersonal skills

Deadlines to apply

• Summer term 2026 – Deadline to apply: Feb. 28, 2026 @ 5 p.m.
• Fall term 2026 – Deadline to apply: June 30, 2026 @ 5 p.m.
• Winter term 2027 – Deadline to apply: Oct. 31, 2026 @ 5 p.m.

This posting creates an applicant pool for future availabilities in our program. Our Applicant Tracking System (ATS) uses AI for initial screening and assessment; however, all final selection decisions are made by our Hiring Managers.

Additional Information

AODA – We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free recruitment process ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and Ontario Human Rights Code we will endeavour to provide accommodation to persons with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and you require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please notify the hiring manager upon scheduling the interview of your requirements.