Local Government/General Assignment Reporter

Local Government/General Assignment Reporter

The St. Cloud Times/sctimes.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking two reporters to produce enterprise and watchdog work focusing on issues and trends affecting the city and surrounding region.

This is a “next generation” city beat. The reporter will monitor the workings of city and county government but will focus on developing impactful enterprise relevant to readers’ lives. Database skills are a plus.

This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news and to post stories, photos and video quickly and accurately across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

Source development is critical to the beat. This reporter will cultivate relationships with city and county officials, business leaders and community stakeholders to break stories. Responsibilities include tracking legislation and public policy that impact local cities and taxpayers.

This is a small staff, and each reporter is expected to pitch in on breaking news and general assignments as needed.

Responsibilities:

• Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
• Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
• Be courageous about experimentation.
• Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers.
• Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of experience in professional journalism writing and reporting or substantial internship or fellowship experience.
• Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
• Solid news judgment.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen. 

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1.     Your resume – one to two pages.

2.     A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3.     Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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