The Spartanburg Herald-Journal, part of the USA Today Network, seeks a reporter with a deep interest in watchdog reporting. This government reporting beat places emphasis on coverage that holds public officials accountable, monitors government action without getting taken over by bureaucracy, seeks solutions to community problems, and dives into public records to uncover untold stories.
We seek a strong journalist who excels at producing enterprise and watchdog work. However, the reporter's portfolio must also extend beyond what's happening in the halls of local government to show the impact of government action on the people of Spartanburg and the Upstate.
The candidate should have the ability to write quick, digitally engaging content and understand how to use social and SEO to draw in audiences. Responsibilities also include occasionally working with reporters across Gannett's USA Today Network including news organizations in the South region, to develop enterprise and spot trends and issues that transcend communities. A background in government reporting is preferred; a deep curiosity about trends is a must.
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This reporter also must demonstrate a commitment to fair and accurate reporting and will be expected to break news. The reporter also must be able to translate government and political speak into clean copy that is clear and tells reader what's important.
The Greenville-Spartanburg area is a growing, vibrant region home to the largest BMW production facility in the nation, an emerging tech community, and a robust tourism economy. We are located 90 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, 2.5 hours from Atlanta, and three hours from South Carolina's coastal beaches.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Five years or more of daily journalism experience in a digitally focused newsroom.
- Strong news judgment and editing skills.
- Comfort in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
- Ability to help reporters identify story topics that will resonate with our audiences and execute them by delivering clear, complete news articles and video as appropriate.
- Demonstrated ability for helping reporters hone skills in a range of storytelling, from real-time digital updates to narratives to investigative reporting, employing alternative story forms and multimedia.
- Strong grasp of journalism skills (reporting and editing) and advanced knowledge of writing, spelling, grammar, AP, and local style.
- Exceptional planning and organizational skills.
- Understanding of metrics, social media, and SEO strategy.
- Ability to build a coverage strategy using analytics and innovation.
- Demonstrated ability to use social media to augment news coverage and engage audience on digital platforms.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
- Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently.
- Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
- Values diversity and inclusion and strives to lead a diverse team.
- Is comfortable working with data and pursuing records requests and can coach those skills.
- Spanish language skills are a plus.
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:
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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