Trending & Breaking News Reporter I

The Marion Star /marionstar.com/ part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a trending and Breaking News Reporter who is energetic, flexible and puts our audience first.

The reporter will focus on Breaking News and trending topics in the city and county of Marion and quickly create high-interest stories to reach new audiences and grow subscribers.

This reporter will pursue news, politics, business and entertainment, and especially public safety. This Reporter Is also expected to have the range to handle quick-turn and longer-range enterprise.

Candidates must be curious, self-motivated and aggressive in pursuing compelling stories that resonate with readers. The successful candidate will have digital reporting skills and be comfortable with video, phone photography, requesting public records and analyzing data.

Responsibilities:

• Primary focus will be on Breaking News and trending news coverage.

• Capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick-turn content for social media and other digital platforms.

• Monitor Google Trends, Dataminr and other search tools for hot topics and moments with rising interest.

• Be proficient on the latest social media tools and trends, specifically on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.

• Optimize, aggregate and package content for digital publication. Enhance content with video, galleries, SEO meta-data, hyperlinks and images.

• Produce content in alternative forms, such as listicles, Q&As, narratives, photo galleries and video.

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics. Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.

• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

• Works with content strategist and audience analyst 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 videos needed.

• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

• Performs other duties as necessary.
  

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Two years' reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.

• Experience covering public safety and/or government preferred.

• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

• Strong command of AP grammar and style.

• Strong self-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.

• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.

• A desire to grow and develop a key position in our newsroom.

• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.

• Collaborates well with others and can work with a dispersed 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 post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

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.

1. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

1. 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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