Communities Reporter
The Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com is seeking a journalist to report on the suburban communities in the Austin area as part of the USA TODAY NETWORK. The Austin metro area is one of the fastest-growing regions in the country, and that growth is largely in the suburbs as many are finding the cost of living being prohibitively expensive inside Austin city limits.
We seek a reporter who can build relationships in those communities in Travis, Bastrop, Hays and Williamson counties and tell stories of the growing pains as these cities welcome a flood of new residents, and the stories of the new residents who may be having issues living somewhere not equipped to handle so many people. We also seek someone who can help cover the suburban school districts in the area.
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In affluent western Travis County, more residents mean clogged roads and a workforce that can't afford to live there. In Bastrop County, where most residents and officials are staunchly proud of not being Austin, it means becoming more connected to the city as Austinites move in. And in Hays and Williamson counties, where the most growth is seen, it's a matter of finding housing and the infrastructure to handle the influx of people and large businesses, such as Samsung and Tesla.
Responsibilities:
- Create content (articles, videos, photos and social media posts) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms with metrics.
- Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Plan and execute engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media.
- Look for broad stories that can affect all suburban areas, and also zero in on those that are specific to just one.
- Work with editor to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos and graphics).
- Promote personal brand, colleagues' brands and the institutional brand.
- Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
- Foundational SEO skills including headline and page title writing, and GoogleTrends.
- Able and willing to work Tuesdays through Saturdays.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and ready to be published.
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
- A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions
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 and demonstrates your reporting experience.
- Clips of your work.
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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