The Observer-Dispatch / uticaod.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a tenacious, self-starting, digitally savvy journalist to be our breaking news and trending reporter, identifying, verifying and curating news of what residents are talking about in the Mohawk Valley of New York(Onieda, Herkimer and Madison counties).
The reporter will spot rising trending topics in the three-county area each morning and quickly create high-interest stories to reach new audiences and encourage loyal readers to subscribe. The beat will be most active in the early mornings, when online audiences are most engaged.
This job requires an understanding of social media, Google trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset determined to see one's work at the top of our page view charts each day. You'll live in the reporting area and get to know the community and its needs through on-the-ground reporting, but you'll have the flexibility of being part of a locally remote and nimble team.
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This reporter will chase news, sports, politics, business and entertainment stories, as well as features, about topics already trending online or based on online conversations. This reporter is also expected to have the range to handle breaking news coverage, including public-safety news, and quick-turn enterprise. At times, this reporter will be tasked with reporting and writing deeper enterprising stories on the topics important to subscribers.
It's a high-volume beat, responsible for one to three short posts most weekdays, while balancing some ongoing longer-range stories. Doing the job well requires more than curation. This reporter is expected to add smart context and do some original reporting - answering the questions on readers' minds in a clear, concise and compelling way.
Based in Utica, the reporter will focus on news in Oneida County as well as important topics in surrounding counties, and also the greater region and New York state.
The reporter will focus on news in the Mohawk Valley, including Oneida, Herkimer and Madison counties, as well as the greater region and New York state. The reporter will be a key part of the news team for the Times Telegram in Herkimer County.
The Breaking & Trending Reporter will work at times in partnership with USA TODAY Network reporters throughout New York, Atlantic region and sometimes beyond.
An ideal candidate is someone capable of quickly establishing their voice and building a loyal following on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook.
KEY CONSIDERATIONS
- Strong writing skills and a command of grammar and style.
- Experience with social media, including Instagram Stories, as a tool to build audience and as a source for beat development.
- Experience with and interest in multimedia, including video and podcasting.
- A self-starter who owns the beat yet works collaboratively with others locally and regionally to meet common goals.
- A journalist committed to values of fairness, diversity, inclusion and professionalism.
REQUIREMENTS
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
- At least two years of applicable experience as a reporter/writer.
- Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
- Good time management and organizational skills.
- Live within the coverage area or be willing to relocate.
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 written, 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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The hourly rate for this role will range between $12.55 and $29.30 . Variable
compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.
Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union
representation, if applicable.