Breaking News/General Assignment Reporter-Missoula, MT

Lee Enterprises•Missoula, MT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Missoulian is seeking a Breaking News/General Assignment Reporter who possesses a strong news sense, enjoys the fast pace of breaking news, is highly curious, and is unafraid to pursue stories and ask challenging questions. This role is ideal for a journalist who thrives on fast-moving news while also engaging with everyday community stories. The reporter will be the first on the scene for breaking news, providing immediate details and following up on developments. The position also involves general assignments and enterprise reporting for Missoula and the surrounding Bitterroot Valley, covering a wide range of topics including public safety, courts, education, business, arts, and health care. The role requires balancing speed with accuracy and maintaining strong journalistic principles. The newsroom is digital-forward, and while prior experience with SEO, web headline writing, analytics, or video is not required, a willingness to learn is essential. The ideal candidate is independent, takes initiative, and is collaborative, contributing positively to a team-oriented environment built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility. Missoula offers a unique blend of natural beauty, creative energy, and a vibrant small-city atmosphere, with abundant outdoor activities and a thriving cultural scene.

Requirements

Strong news sense.
Likes the rush of covering breaking news.
Curious about everything, and not afraid to chase a story and ask tough questions.
Eager, sharp and ready to jump in.
Comfortable working independently.
Eager to take initiative.
Collaborative by nature.
Contributes positively to a team-oriented newsroom that relies on trust, communication, and shared responsibility to cover the news well.
Curiosity and willingness to learn (regarding SEO, web headline writing, analytics, or video).

Nice To Haves

Prior experience with SEO, web headline writing, analytics, or video

Responsibilities

Cover breaking news and be the first person on scene.
Provide readers with need-to-know details and follow through with any developments.
Tackle a mix of general assignments and enterprise reporting for Missoula and the surrounding region, including the Bitterroot Valley.
File quick and clean updates.
Turn developing situations into well-reported stories that provide readers with depth, context and impact.
Cover a wide range of topics, including public safety, courts, education, business, arts, and health care.
Work closely with editors, photographers, and fellow reporters.
Balance speed with accuracy and always keep strong journalism at the center of the work.