City Government and Growth Reporter
Req #20654
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
City Government and Growth Reporter
The Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a versatile reporter to join our city government and growth reporting team in Austin, Texas.
The reporter will assist with City Hall and government coverage, with a focus on growth and infrastructure. The reporter would produce a mix of breaking news and enterprise stories, with an emphasis on accountability journalism and keeping an eye on government spending.
Some of the specific responsibilities of this beat will be sorted out with the person who lands the job, but here's a broad overview of what it entails:
City Hall
- Collaborate with the lead local government reporter on coverage of Austin City Hall and the workings of the city's government
Growth
- Growth trends
- Affordability
- Homelessness
Infrastructure
- Transportation
- Austin and regional utilities
- Assist in coverage of the state's power grid
Job requirements:
Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least two years of daily newspaper reporting experience.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Experience developing a following through use of social media.
- Strong command of AP style and grammar.
- The ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Works weekends and nights when needed.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.
Application Instructions:
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to three to six online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
These items should be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
#Content
Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience