State Politics Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Louisville, KY

4d

About The Position

The Courier Journal is looking for a politics reporter to join its state government team. We are looking for a journalist who can report on key players and issues driving legislation and policies in Kentucky while holding them accountable amid an increasingly partisan climate. The job will have challenges and opportunities. Kentucky has a popular Democratic governor yet is a red state. It is home to high-profile national figures like former Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Sen. Rand Paul. It has one of the most closely watched U.S. Senate races in the nation this year with Sen. McConnell’s retirement as well as a 60-day legislative session that begins in January. The politics reporter will play an integral role in daily coverage of all of the above, including the session from Frankfort. The successful candidate should have a track record of seeking out stories that will be widely read and impactful. This person should be able to write in a variety of styles while maintaining appropriate tone and fairness. The ability to use the latest in trends, metrics and social media tools to inform your story choices in consultation with your editor is a plus, as is comfort with data and data visualization. If you thrive on being the first to report a story of statewide consequences and can develop the sources to give you the scoop, this could be the right position for you. The Courier Journal is an 11-time Pulitzer Prize-winning news organization in a metro area known for its nationally recognized chefs and restaurants; vibrant music scene, including the Bourbon & Beyond music festival; world-class bourbon distilleries; and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The quality of life is sky high, and the cost of living is impressively low.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using social media accounts to identify stories.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• An understanding of reporting ethics, fairness and sourcing.
• The ability to collaborate.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required under state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer background check.

Nice To Haves

• Experience creating visual news graphics optimized for social is a plus.
• The ability to use the latest in trends, metrics and social media tools to inform your story choices in consultation with your editor is a plus, as is comfort with data and data visualization.

Responsibilities

• Report quickly, clearly and accurately.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies. This includes being adept at SEO.
• Be aware of USA TODAY Co. properties and work with them on a regular basis. Write local news stories to be consumed by a national audience. Focus on story production details.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms. This includes experimenting with long-tail (evergreen) content.
• Monitor real-time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences.
• Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis

What This Job Offers

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