Enterprise Reporter - public safety
Req #22202
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
The Holland Sentinel is looking for an experienced reporter to join the team!
The ideal candidate will research, write, and report compelling journalism that continuously grows our readership and subscriber base by informing and engaging readers. Other essential job duties:
- Act as a public ambassador through community outreach and connect with readers through social media.
- Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
- Produce storytelling journalism that meets audience needs and interests on every platform.
- Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
Job Details
Public safety enterprise reporter: This reporter will concentrate on crime, courts (criminal and civil) as well as the community’s relationship with law enforcement and other public safety entities. Because Holland is on the shores of Lake Michigan, water safety is a key aspect of this beat as well. When breaking news, and public safety matters are quiet, this position will lead our enterprise projects, which can span all the newsroom’s beats, providing the opportunity to work on new and engaging content. This position will be a key part of our digital subscription growth efforts, with the goal of creating exclusive content vital to our key audiences. The reporter will get scoops, but also dig deeper into the trends, people and politics that shape what happens to our communities. We’re looking for someone who can build sources, crunch numbers, file FOIAs, map trends, and dig into government and court records.
This reporter will focus on stories that matter to real local people and their lives, focusing on issues, places, and people of interest with a primarily digital focus. Content can range from breaking news to people profiles to harder-hitting examinations of key issues of concern to local residents, including crime rates, schools, jobs, safety and more.
The reporter must build a brand of local content that connects with local residents and then engage with
this audience, following guidance on content choices. This reporter pays close attention to all readership metrics to shape content decisions and avoids boring traditional content while trying new ideas.
Typical Job Duties
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues
- Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
- Coaches and mentors less-experienced journalists.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
- Performs other duties as necessary.
Knowledge and Skills
- Ability to produce top-notch watchdog journalism.
- Exceptional cross-platform storytelling skills.
- Exceptional core journalism skills (reporter, producing, editing).
- Deep understanding of and curiosity about competition for our customers' time and money.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Advance knowledge of social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms in public space.
- Photo and video skills.
- Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
- Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
- Knows how to use time effectively in a 24-hour news environment.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
- Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company's goals.
- Writing, spelling, grammar, AP, and local style.
- Industry knowledge.
- Organizational skills.
- Command of media law and Principle of Ethical Conduct.
Required Work Experience, Training, and Education
- Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or equivalent in experience and education.
- 2-5 years of experience with advanced storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
- Must have technical skills - understanding use of metrics, Microsoft Office Suite, videography, and photography.
- Must have required skills - social media, advanced storytelling, advanced analytical ability, interpersonal skills, time management, and interpersonal skills.
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:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- 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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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly