Copywriter/Proof Reader 5

Day to Day Responsibilities
(Being thorough in this section will allow the suppliers to pre-identify candidates more accurately.)

News Center Freelance Writer / Reporter / Journalist (Contract Role)

Role Summary
This freelance role provides independent, journalistic-style reporting and storytelling for Cross of California's 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 by Cross of California, 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 Cross Employee Roles
To support classification as an independent contractor , the below distinctions are important to note:

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 Cross as employees rather than independent storytellers

Required Skills (top 3 non-negotiables): Preferred Skills (nice to have) Agile Experience - 2 Years minimum Ex: Case Management Experience - 3+ years Journalism experience 1. Interest in health and wellness Writing 2. Previous work with executive level Reporting 3. Corporate communications experience
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