The National Connect team, part of the USA TODAY Network, is looking for a Space Connect reporter to join our service journalism and trending team. This reporter will provide timely and audience-focused coverage of all things space, including the quickly developing race to the moon and Mars, space tourism, launch information, key players in government and entrepreneurial space innovation and how those intersect, and celestial wonders.
We are looking for a reporter who is quick and flexible - full of topic-focused story ideas, who can urgently pursue them and write them at volume in varied formats. This reporter should be deeply curious, highly competitive and possess the desire to inform digital audiences. The reporter should be comfortable working with local and national editors and reporters, and able to seamlessly move between topics. Those topics may include some other than space as part of network news needs around the biggest developing stories. We start with the headline, so great digital headline-writing skills are a must.
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The reporter will work closely with our space editors and reporters at Florida Today and USA TODAY to cover high-interest stories, help swarm breaking news and plan for major events.
This reporter should be comfortable interacting with and listening to social media and other digital communities, and being comfortable on camera is a plus. They will use data and analytics, and Google Trends and other SEO tools to inform their story choices and presentation on and off our platform. This reporter must love telling stories quickly when needed, in-depth when called for, and always with accuracy. A relentless passion for space, science and how that will influence the future is a plus.
The typical shift will start early, but must be flexible for what the topic needs, meaning nights and/or weekends may also be required. The position is fully remote.
Responsibilities:
- Monitor emails, social media, community groups and other sources to find stories.
- Daily monitoring of the ever-changing launch schedules across the public and private rocket industry
- Monitor breaking news on space and the industry across the country, and in some cases around the world
- Efficiently and accurately write stories, several per day.
- Find, pitch and swiftly produce stories on topics of emerging interest, with a focus on what readers want and need to know.
- Ensure content is properly optimized for competitive search ranking and best practices for user experience.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field.
- Expert at using social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Bluesky.
- Command of concise writing, spelling, grammar, and AP style.
- Good fact-checking and reporting skills.
- Well-organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
- Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to communicate effectively inside and outside the organization.
How To Apply:
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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The hourly rate for this role will range between $16.44 and $38.70. 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.