Digital Reporter

Hearst Communications • Midland, MI

387d

About The Position

This position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgement, and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential across a variety of small community markets. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories across multiple markets daily, all while staying focused on the digital details of story production: Headlines, SEO, multi-media assets and other points of optimization. The journalist who fills this position needs to be able to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time. Additionally, this person needs to feel comfortable with being edited by peers - and to contribute to peer editing. This position is available on a hybrid schedule or remotely depending on your state of residence.

Requirements

• Solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the local market.
• Proficient writer, fact-checker, and familiar with AP Style.
• Understand web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth.
• Knowledge of analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations.
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends.
• Deliver stories quickly, accurately and at a consistent pace.
• Meeting daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth, including story visits and subscriber traffic.
• Grow your social media base and regularly promote links to stories.
• Great teamwork with digital and newsroom staff.

Nice To Haves

• Understanding of audience engagement metrics is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on what's trending in local market(s).
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, social media platforms or any other methods available to reach new audiences.
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Quickly recognize and jump on breaking news for assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Work with local and regional editors as well as the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging new audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms.
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas that allows a depth of ideas each day that can provide different options to choose from.
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information as quickly as possible.
• Pitch and create alternative forms of content, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Work with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid parental leave for new parents.
• Monthly child & dependent care reimbursement.
• Mental wellness benefits.
• Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
• Fertility coverage & menopause support.
• Pet wellness reimbursement & Rover credits.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Industry: Web Search Portals, Libraries, Archives, and Other Information Services
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees