Intern - Content

The Akron Beacon Journal/beaconjournal.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking two summer interns for reporting and/or photography. These positions will focus on general and breaking news along with features.

The ideal candidate will research, write, and report compelling journalism or photographs that continuously grows a fan base by informing and engaging readers. This reporter will concentrate of writing local news and features that inform and engage readers.

The reporter will focus on stories that matter to real local people and their lives, focusing on issues, places, and people of interest with a primarily digital focus.

The ideal candidate will have the initiative, skills, and judgment to write stories of local interest that resonate with readers, using all delivery forms available including mobile, desktop, video, print, and social media.

Reporter 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.

Photographer responsibilities:

• Pitch regularly visual or visual/text stories illustrating community needs with a strong human dimension.
• Demonstrate high command of techniques and sophisticated craftsmanship.
• Use social media to share your work and connect with diverse audiences.
• Photograph and edit daily assignments, including but not limited to breaking news, features, local and professional sports.
• Create photo galleries.
• Produce videos, stream live videos and post to social media platforms, as well as create polished, longer-term video projects.
• Have ongoing conversations with reporters and editors about stories, videos and photos.
• Bring ideas for visual coverage to the table for discussion.
• Be a self-starter; someone who can spearhead their own visual projects but also work well in a team setting.
• Works collaboratively with a passionate and highly-motivated team of photographers/videographers, reporters, editors and producers.
• Flexible and able to react to change productively and handle other essential tasks as needed.

Requirements:

• Progress toward bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
• Experience developing following around personal journalism through use of social media.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and 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 the digital first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• 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 pre-employment, post-offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.

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.