Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • St. Cloud, MN

2d • Onsite

About The Position

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. The St. Cloud Times, a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor’s degree and be well-versed in reporting. In addition, the reporter must be able to take both pictures and short videos and not be afraid to meet people, find sources, and learn their beat. The right candidate will be able to report stories that affect the lives of people. This beat offers the opportunity to serve as a watchdog to the community. The right candidate will have a nose for issues and be able to interview both politicians and residents alike. He or she will be able to explain local political issues to readers with easy-to-understand language. Digital journalism will be a priority. We use data-driven journalism to write about complicated topics. This reporter must be comfortable interviewing a diverse group of people. Consistently breaking exclusive news is crucial. He or she will identify, produce and post stories, photos, and videos quickly and accurately. The St. Cloud Times is committed to diversity and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 1-4 years of daily newsroom experience.
• High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Must be able to take both pictures and short videos.
• Must not be afraid to meet people, find sources, and learn their beat.
• Must be comfortable interviewing a diverse group of people.

Responsibilities

• Research, report and produce compelling content that continuously grows a following by informing and engaging readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
• Work with newsroom leaders to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests tailored to appropriate platforms.
• Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
• Use video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.
• Identify, produce and post stories, photos, and videos quickly and accurately.

What This Job Offers

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