City Hall/City Government Reporter
Req #26010
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.
City Hall/City Government Reporter
The Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a versatile reporter to join our city government reporting team in Austin, Texas.
The position is for our lead City Hall and city government reporter. We're looking for someone who can spin clear, entertaining political reporting and craft accountability journalism that holds city leaders responsible for their actions and for how they spend taxpayers' money.
We want someone who can produce a mix of breaking news and enterprise stories, has strong writing skills, is committed to inclusive journalism and is eager to learn new skills.
The ideal candidate would be comfortable using different social media platforms to tell unique stories from different perspectives engaging with younger readers. Must be comfortable creating social video and promoting content on social. Must be comfortable writing in an engaging voice with personality as owner of a regular City Hall Insider newsletter.
This is not an entry-level position. A proven record with multiple years of government accountability reporting is a key job requirement.
Responsibilities:
- Creates coverage that accurately informs, engages, and entertains specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
- Serve as a public ambassador for our brand through connecting with the community via social media, on camera, in forums, community leadership, etc.
- Works with content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- At least 3 years of reporting experience at a daily newspaper
- Experience covering city and/or county government agencies
- Record of working collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Experience developing a following through use of social media.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- The ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands a digital-first approach.
- Works weekends and nights when needed.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.
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.
Deadline to Apply: December 2, 2022
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Other details
- Job Family UNION
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience