Copywriter/Proof Reader 5

Freelance Journalism Role

Role Summary

This freelance role provides independent, journalistic‐style reporting and storytelling for the News Center.

The contractor brings high‐level media expertise, a neutral external perspective, and the ability to conduct executive‐level interviews and produce publish‐ready stories on tight, ad‐hoc timelines.

Work is assigned project‐by‐project and is performed independently, without the functions, obligations, or institutional knowledge expected of full‐time Corporate Communications employees.

Primary Responsibilities (Freelance / Contractor)

• Produce News Center stories on diverse topics — including public health, social justice issues, healthcare reform, innovation, and major business initiatives — using a conversational, journalistic voice distinct from internal Corporate Communications writing.
• Conduct independent interviews with senior executives, subject-matter experts, and external stakeholders, maintaining a professional, third‐party reporter posture that differs from staff‐driven internal messaging or employee communications.
• Generate and pitch story ideas proactively, based on industry news and trends, national and California healthcare topics, public sentiment, and noteworthy external events. This ideation is research‐based and independent, unlike internal strategy‐driven editorial calendars.
• Provide ad‐hoc writing and editing support for select Corporate Communications initiatives and reports — only as needed and without owning ongoing programs or internal workflows (e.g., supporting elements of BlueSky Youth Mental Health Survey coverage).
• Complete project-based writing assignments at the level of depth and specificity reasonably requested, without ongoing operational responsibilities or embedded team functions.

Required Expertise (Freelancer‐Specific)

• Minimum 10 years of professional journalism experience, including long‐form reporting, interviewing, and feature-style storytelling typically found in magazines or high‐quality news publications.
• Proven ability to interview senior executives, C‐suite leaders, and high‐profile stakeholders with confidence and rapport — an advanced skill set not required for standard internal communications roles.
• Experience maintaining editorial independence, adhering to journalistic standards, and producing content that reflects an external, neutral perspective rather than corporate or employee communications priorities.
• Ability to quickly assimilate complex healthcare topics and translate them into accessible, media‐ready narratives for a broad public audience.

How This Role Differs From Employee Roles

• Freelance Functions (This Role)
  • Provides independent journalism, not internal corporate messaging
  • Works on distinct, ad‐hoc assignments only
  • Maintains editorial separation from internal leadership and teams
  • Supplies external voice and expertise unavailable within internal staff
  • Does not participate in strategy development, planning cycles, or internal communications programs
  • Brings a highly specialized, hard‐to‐recruit journalism background
• Full‐Time Corporate Communications Functions (Employees)
  • Develop strategic messaging, campaigns, and internal/external communications plans
  • Manage recurring content calendars and long‐term programs
  • Align communication outputs with business priorities and leadership direction
  • Partner across departments, participate in internal meetings, and manage approvals
  • Represent as employees rather than independent storytellers

Required Skills (top 3 non-negotiables):

• Journalism experience
• Writing
• Reporting

Preferred Skills (nice to have)

• Interest in health and wellness
• Previous work with executive level
• Corporate communications experience