New York State Team government accountability reporter
Req #20865
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.
New York State Team government accountability reporter
About USA TODAY Network New York State Team:
- The USA TODAY Network New York State Team delivers timely, relevant news and information of interest to our diverse target audiences across the state and particularly in the 12 markets with Gannett-owned news sites.
- Special attention is paid to stories and videos that demonstrate the impact of events and trends on lives and communities.
- We value revelatory journalism, both near-term and longer-term, that serves as a catalyst for positive change in our state and our communities.
- Taken together, such work grows our digital audience and the number of our digital subscribers and ensures USA TODAY Network sites are a relevant force in the state and in the communities we serve.
Job Purpose
The New York State Government Accountability Reporter, based in Albany, works collaboratively with other NYS Team members and reporters at 12 USA TODAY Network sites to build relationships, find accurate and trustworthy information and provide unique reporting and videography.
- This reporter’s work relates the impact of New York state government’s decisions and actions on the lives of New Yorkers. Reporting takes place mainly in the state capital of Albany but certain stories may require travel to different corners of New York state.
- Our target audiences, many of them diverse, benefit from relevant and compelling reporting. Being inclusive in our sourcing and in our consideration of the impact of government activity is a vital part of this reporter’s mission.
- This reporter places a focus on how state government shapes and changes communities and lives, including but not limited to matters of public health, public safety, good governance, public spending and taxes and economic-development strategies and investment. Such reporting empowers state residents to navigate their lives and to raise questions about the effectiveness of state leaders.
- This job generates the content the organization needs to build digital readership and subscriptions and to be perceived as a reliable and relevant source of reporting on the impact of state government reporting.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Researches, reports, writes and helps create compelling text and multimedia journalism about how New York state government touches New Yorkers’ lives.
- Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues that answers the “how” and “why” questions regarding government actions and their impact.
- Pays special attention to the issues and trending topics impacting diverse segments of New York’s population. Displays cultural competency in navigating coverage.
- Works with the New York State Team editor, content strategists and others to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests on every platform.
- Develops relationships with sources in Albany and around the state, including diverse officials, citizens and experts, in order to provide unique insight into the impact of state government decisions and actions on readers and communities.
- Makes it a mission to inform and engage readers through immediacy, enterprise reporting and riveting storytelling.
- Acts as a public ambassador through social media, video presentations and some community outreach.
- Collaborates with editors, photographers and digital producers to provide all the appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism or equivalent in experience and education, or college degree in related field.
- 3-4 years of reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.
- Social media skills and some video production knowledge required.
- Data reporting knowledge and experience helpful. Database skills/Microsoft Excel skills preferred. (Data training will be part of successful candidate’s onboarding steps.)
- Exceptional core journalism skills, particularly reporting and writing.
- Deep understanding of the questions the audience seeks answered in our journalism.
- Self-motivation and self-direction.
- Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
- Able to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
- Knows how to use time effectively in an always-on workday.
- Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
- Must embrace peer-to-peer feedback and training.
- Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.
- Writing, spelling, grammar, AP and local style.
Direct reports and/or Org Chart
This reporter reports to the New York State Team Editor. The reporter’s peers include other reporters on the New York State Team, including reporters covering public health, growth and transportation, racial equity and stories on compelling people and complex local or state issues.
This reporter will collaborate frequently with editors and reporters and photographers and digital producers across New York state and within the USA TODAY Network.
How to apply:
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 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've written, produced, or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items 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