Delaware Courts Reporter

Gannett • New Castle, DE

234d • Onsite

About The Position

Delaware Online/The News Journal, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking an experienced reporter who can cover the state's civil courts and its complexities, a beat rich with stories that touch not just Delaware but a national audience given the state's global role in business news through the Chancery Court. The successful candidate will understand when to jump on a breaking story about Elon Musk heading to Delaware when Tesla is wrapped up in litigation, while also knowing when to dig in to the watchdog story about why a local hospital system is being sued repeatedly for the same claims. This reporter will be responsible for digging into civil filings in Delaware courts, mining lawsuits for big names, agencies and drama, and turning fast, enterprise stories that interest readers and keep them coming back for more. This reporter will also work in tandem with others in the newsroom when lawsuits and coverage expands onto other beats - we know one person can't tackle it all. Additionally, this reporter will be responsible for carving out coverage and zeroing in on Delaware's unique Chancery Court, where big business decisions happen every day and some of the nation's movers and shakers must frequent due to the state's rosy complexion for corporations. This coverage would provide not just important stories for Delaware, but also serve as a touchpoint for other USA TODAY Network following business happenings and lawsuits that affect their coverage areas. A willingness to collaborate is key. In short, we want someone who writes for readers, identifying the stories that will interest a variety of audiences - and a reporter who understands that looks different day to day. This beat requires a reporter who can juggle multiple assignments and work on breaking news as well as short- and long-term enterprise. You must understand analytics and how to use that information to your advantage. And you must be ready and willing to spend time in the Wilmington courthouses, getting to know the players and showing up again and again to get the sourcing needed to tell these stories. This is not a remote position.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least 3 years of experience at a daily news organization.
• Familiarity with digital storytelling tools and techniques, especially video for both on site and social.
• Outstanding core journalism skills, including writing, spelling, grammar and AP style.
• Ability to thrive in a competitive news market while possessing a collaborative spirit.
• Deep understanding of journalism ethics.
• Experience with social media, online metrics, third party tools and content management systems.
• Ability to multi-task.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Cover Delaware's civil courts and related stories.
• Dig into civil filings in Delaware courts and mine lawsuits for significant names and drama.
• Turn fast, enterprise stories that engage readers.
• Collaborate with other newsroom members on expanding coverage.
• Focus on Delaware's Chancery Court and its implications for business.
• Identify and write stories that interest a variety of audiences.
• Manage multiple assignments and work on breaking news.
• Utilize analytics to inform reporting.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Industry: Publishing Industries
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree