Grant Funded Visual Journalist – Reno Gazette Journal / rgj.com

USA TODAY Co. • Reno, NV

20d • $14 - $25 • Hybrid

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. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com
Tell the visual story of Reno and Nevada while driving social growth and vertical video innovation
Reno Gazette Journal/ rgj.com, the leading news organization covering the vibrant city of Reno, the natural beauty of Northern Nevada, and the unique stories that shape our region, is seeking an innovative and passionate visual journalist to join our team.
We are looking for a dynamic photographer/videographer who is not only adept at capturing compelling visuals but also strategic and creative in growing audiences across diverse social platforms. The successful candidate will be responsible for producing high-impact stills and videos for print, digital, and social media, engaging our community where they live and engage with news.
This is a grant-funded position and entails participation in community service-oriented projects highlighting the RGJ’s work covering underserved communities.
Ideal applicants are energetic, self-motivated storytellers with a keen sense for news, a flair for creativity, and the versatility to shoot, edit, and publish content quickly across multiple platforms. The ability to write sharp, informative captions and to identify stories that will resonate with local and national audiences is essential. You will cover breaking news, sports, features, profiles, enterprise, and investigations—while always seeking new ways to elevate our visual storytelling.
Collaboration and adaptability are key, as is a genuine passion for connecting with the community. Spanish language skills are highly valued. Reno’s location offers easy access to Lake Tahoe, the Sierra Nevada, and a thriving local scene that’s perfect for an outdoor enthusiast and cultural explorer.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, visual media, or equivalent professional experience and education.
• At least two years’ experience in professional photography and videography, with a strong portfolio of vertical and social-first content.
• Expertise in photo and video editing software (such as Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, After Effects, and mobile editing apps).
• Demonstrated ability to shoot, edit, and publish with smartphones and advanced camera systems. The RGJ has a full array of new Sony digital cameras and equipment.
• Proven success growing audiences and engagement on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, X and Facebook.
• Ability to excel in a fast-paced, deadline-driven newsroom and adapt to changing priorities and technologies.
• Flexibility to work nights, weekends, and breaking news assignments as needed.
• Strong grasp of journalism law, best practices in media ethics, and a commitment to accurate, impactful storytelling.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and insurance as required by Nevada law.

Nice To Haves

• Spanish language skills are highly valued.

Responsibilities

• Produce high-quality multimedia stories through photography, videography, and clear, engaging text that informs, entertains, and inspires our audience.
• Shoot, edit, and publish vertical videos designed for platforms such as Instagram Reels, TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Facebook Stories, with a focus on driving audience growth and engagement.
• Manage quick-turn production of photo galleries and video content, ensuring timely, accurate delivery across digital and social channels.
• Collaborate with newsroom colleagues on story development, visual strategy, and innovative approaches to audience engagement.
• Analyze audience data and trends to inform content choices and maximize reach on rgj.com and social platforms.
• Mentor and support fellow journalists in basic photo and video editing, best practices for mobile journalism, and new media techniques.

Benefits

• The hourly rate for this role will range between $13.94 and $25.38. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

What This Job Offers

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