Education Reporter

USA TODAY Co.•Melbourne, FL

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

FLORIDA TODAY, part of the USA Today Co., is seeking an Education Reporter to cover education across the Space Coast. The main coverage area is Brevard Public Schools, the largest employer in the county and the state's 10th largest school district. This community was the birthplace of the conservative parent organization, Moms for Liberty, which has had a lasting impact. This is a busy, breaking news beat that regularly generates national stories. The journalist needs to navigate often contentious school board meetings, build a wide range of sources, break news, and seek out stories that highlight obstacles and successes to student learning. The reporter will be responsible for monitoring education trends applicable to the area and developing in-depth enterprise stories that engage the audience and enhance understanding of key issues facing schools. With more than 72,000 students in the district, there's a strong opportunity for and expectation of video storytelling. The workload is intense and fast-paced, but the opportunity for statewide and national stories of significance is tremendous. The previous reporter in this job won the FSNE Community Leadership award for their coverage.

Requirements

Bachelor’s in journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year of experience in journalism writing and reporting.
Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
Solid news judgment.
Self-motivation and self-direction.
Top-notch organizational and time management skills.
Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
Needs to be based on the Space Coast.
Requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

Cover education across the Space Coast, specifically Brevard Public Schools.
Navigate often contentious school board meetings.
Build a wide range of sources.
Break news and seek out stories that highlight obstacles and successes to student learning.
Monitor education trends applicable to the area.
Develop in-depth enterprise stories that engage the audience and enhance understanding of key issues facing schools.
Engage in video storytelling.
Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
Increase digital audience engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
Be courageous about experimentation.
Be a team player who likes to collaborate with coworkers.
Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.