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The Southwest Times Record/swtimes.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks an ambitious and skilled reporter to break news and contribute original and exclusive enterprise about the Fort Smith community. The ideal candidate breaks news daily, while delivering service journalism and other enterprise that makes readers more knowledgeable about how local events shape their daily lives, including the job market, neighborhoods and schools. Source development is key, as is the ability to provide context with every story.
Depth, accuracy and a talent for great storytelling are vital. Social media fluency is a core requirement. Data skills are a plus. We are a digital-first organization and seek candidates that are comfortable with filing fast and leveraging social media and newsletters to promote their great work.
The position is ideal for candidates that like variety in what they cover, from community news to dining and entertainment stories to occasional coverage of high school sports.
The Southwest Times Record produces stories that earn acclaim and recognition. We are part of the USA Today Network, which has more than 200 daily news sites across the country.
Responsibilities:
- Breaks exclusive stories, and provides thoughtful, fact-based analysis and narrative features.
- Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
- Collaborates with digital and print production team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
- Captures basic photos and video as needed.
- Contributes to coverage of major events and national projects.
- 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.
- 2-5 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
- Proficiency on social media platforms.
- Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
- Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
- Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
- Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
- Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
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 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.
Life in Fort Smith
Fort Smith is the hub of the River Valley. As an epicenter of commerce along the Arkansas River, it also is home to the world-class U.S. Marshal's museum as well as the Unexpected festival, which has brought internationally renowned murals to spice up the downtown scene. As Arkansas' third-largest city, it is also home to the University of Arkansas at Fort Smith, which serves as an educational power house in the state.
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- Job Family Media
- Job Function Content Production
- Pay Type Hourly