Service Journalism/Utility Reporter

Hearst Newspapers•Dallas, TX

45d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Dallas Morning News is looking for a Service Journalism/Utility Reporter to join our award-winning newsroom. This role focuses on serving our readers with accessible, clear, useful stories that help them navigate life while also interacting with our audience where they are. We are seeking a reporter adept at writing explainers, Q&As and jumping on issues trending online to answer questions. This journalist will have a key role in major stories, weather events and seasonal coverage. This is a fast-paced role and requires a journalist who thrives on readers’ needs and interests, engaging directly with them in person or online. The ideal candidate will be comfortable writing multiple daily stories, scouring social media and community groups for city curiosities and contributing to our Curious Texas project, where we directly answer questions posed by readers. We’re looking for a team player, a top-notch collaborator, a strong digital storyteller and a time-management maven. Audience engagement and analytics interest are a must. The Dallas Morning News believes a collaborative and inclusive work environment is essential to a thriving workplace for all. We are in search of a diverse group of candidates.

Requirements

A passion for utility journalism that helps readers in their daily lives
Demonstrated strong reporting and writing skills
Good news judgment, accuracy, speed, grammatical precision, a flair for headlines, energy, curiosity and an eye toward digital success
Ability to use social media for newsgathering and audience development
Ability to handle multiple stories at the same time
Excellent communication and collaboration skills
Aptitude for public records, data and legal filings
Understanding of platforms and audiences and ability to compose stories appropriate to the platform of publication (e.g., voice, style, formatting, hyperlinks)
Collaborating effectively with team members and across newsroom departments
Willingness to cover a variety of topics
Familiarity with Texas

Nice To Haves

Fluency in Spanish is an advantage

Responsibilities

Produce quick-turn, high-utility stories in user-friendly formats
Answer key questions on news events and from our community
Pitch stories that are off the beaten track and will resonate with readers
Work collaboratively in a deadline-driven newsroom environment
Write engagingly and accurately on North Texas
Use social media as a tool to develop story ideas and respond to what our audience is already talking about
Build stories with links, tags, SEO best practices, attractive web headlines and multimedia when appropriate
Monitor analytics for your stories and work with editors to suggest approaches for improvement
Collaborate with Audience editors and our Photo team to improve the digital presentation of your stories
Work with editors to evolve and shape your coverage to deepen engagement with our digital audience
Strong drive for innovation and experimentation

Benefits

Flexible Work Schedules – Because balance matters.
Health, Dental & Vision Coverage – Comprehensive plans to keep you and your family healthy.
24/7 Telemedicine Access (MDLive) – Talk to board-certified doctors anytime, anywhere.
FMLA & Parental Leave – Supporting you through life’s important moments.
Retirement Benefits with Employer Contributions – Helping you invest in your future.
Onsite Fitness Center – Stay active and energized during your day.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free, confidential support for life’s challenges.
Monthly “Health & Wealth” Webinars – Tools and tips to support your physical and financial wellness.
18 Days of Paid Time Off + 9 Paid Holidays – Plenty of time to recharge.
8 Hours of Paid Community Service Time – Give back to the causes that matter most to you.