Grant Funded Education Reporter (UNION)

USA TODAY Co. • Detroit, MI

2d • Onsite

About The Position

The Detroit Free Press seeks an enterprising reporter to cover education in metro Detroit through a one-year grant-funded fellowship as part of a significant expansion of education reporting across metro Detroit and Michigan. This reporter will focus on helping parents, lawmakers and community leaders understand the challenges in need of solutions at a time when Michigan children lag other states in reading, math, attendance and postsecondary education attainment. They’ll take readers inside the classroom, unpack relevant data, cover newsworthy happenings in local education and connect the dots on trends and challenges affecting multiple 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
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation
• Minimum liability insurance required by state law
• Authorized to work in the applicable location

Responsibilities

• 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
• Explain issues on camera
• Conduct interviews
• Interact with readers
• Enhance reporting and promote work using social media

What This Job Offers

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