Politics Trending Reporter

USA TODAY Co.

1d • Remote

About The Position

USA TODAY/usatoday.com, a digital-first news organization, is seeking a Politics Trending Reporter focused on finding and reporting on daily and breaking stories related to politics that are of interest to USA TODAY audiences. The reporter will identify and report on timely stories, using strong news judgment, as well as the latest trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate. Coverage can include anything from the latest polls to a development in Congress to helping monitor government briefings to a what to know about a political figure. We want someone who can work calmly under tight deadlines, deliver scoops, write quickly, make a lot of phone calls, dig up documents, be creative, think about storytelling on different platforms and deliver sharp headlines. Someone willing to learn new skills and think about how to tell the story in new ways. They are also comfortable with live blogs, quick enterprise stories and excel at SEO. This person will work regularly with reporters and editors on other teams and across the USA TODAY Network. The ideal Politics Trending Reporter is interested in a little bit of everything, likes to jump on breaking news and enjoys reporting on all things politics. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
• Able to file quickly and accurately.
• Strong command of grammar and style.
• Passionate and enthusiastic about breaking news and covering high-interest topics of the day.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-moving, intense situations. Also comfortable using social media to enhance reporting.
• Understand reporting and sourcing ethics.
• Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Collaborate well with others and can work with a team – including teammates and colleagues who are remote.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.

Responsibilities

• Identify and report on top national politics stories of the day and monitor real-time news.
• Write and report quickly and accurately, doggedly chasing down tips and trying to answer readers’ questions.
• Work with coworkers to deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies.

What This Job Offers

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