Grant Funded Education Reporter (UNION)

USA Today • Detroit, MI

18h • Onsite

About The Position

The Detroit Free Press is looking for a motivated reporter to cover education in the Detroit metropolitan area for a one-year grant-funded fellowship. This position is part of a larger initiative to enhance education reporting throughout metro Detroit and Michigan. The reporter will focus on identifying and explaining challenges within the education system that require solutions, particularly as Michigan students lag behind national averages in reading, math, attendance, and postsecondary education attainment. Responsibilities include providing in-depth classroom coverage, analyzing data, reporting on significant local education events, and connecting trends and issues that impact various school districts.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of newsroom experience.
• Strong reporting, writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Experience creating digital-first content, including video and social media storytelling.
• Comfortable on camera explaining issues, conducting interviews and interacting with readers.
• Strong copy editing and self-editing skills.
• Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote your work.
• Strong understanding of audience analytics, SEO and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, build trust with stakeholders and manage multiple deadlines.
• Requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Focus on helping parents, lawmakers and community leaders understand the challenges in need of solutions.
• Take readers inside the classroom.
• Unpack relevant data.
• Cover newsworthy happenings in local education.
• Connect the dots on trends and challenges affecting multiple school districts.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level