Public Safety Reporter

Forum Communications Company • Grand Forks, ND

9d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Grand Forks Herald is seeking a Public Safety Reporter to produce engaging, relevant, and timely stories and visuals for publication across print and digital platforms. This is a full-time, hybrid role with remote flexibility and in-office presence required in Grand Forks, ND. The primary focus will be on public safety, crime, police activity, court proceedings, human and social services, and the justice system. In addition to daily coverage, the role involves quick breaking news stories and long-form enterprise reporting. The reporter will research and craft compelling stories, follow leads, respond to breaking news, and adhere to editorial and AP style standards. Responsibilities include contacting and interviewing sources, researching tips, staying updated on current events, and becoming an active part of the community to develop sources and partnerships. Collaboration with team members across departments is essential for growing audience engagement and loyalty.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred.
• A strong commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, a driving record that is insurable by the company, and carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools.

Responsibilities

• Produce engaging, relevant, and timely stories and visuals for print and digital platforms.
• Cover public safety, crime, police activity, court proceedings, human and social services, and the justice system.
• Handle quick breaking news stories and long-form enterprise reporting.
• Research and craft compelling stories, follow leads, and respond quickly to breaking news.
• Write and produce stories according to editorial and AP style and format standards.
• Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
• Stay up to date on local politics, public safety, education topics, and community events.
• Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships.
• Collaborate with team members across departments to grow audience engagement and loyalty.

Benefits

• Health, dental, and vision packages
• Paid maternity and parental leave
• Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
• Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
• Retirement benefits with company match
• Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: Associate degree