Civic Accountability Reporter
The Tri-City Herald in Washington state is looking for a civic accountability reporter to write exclusive enterprise stories essential to readers and to hold leaders and government agencies accountable.
You’ll be part of a small team that’s passionate about making change through local reporting that is demanding, fast-paced and constantly evolving.
You'll help readers understand government and the decisions that affect their lives. You will cover daily, trend and watchdog stories and focus on publishing breaking news quickly, then digging deeper to help readers gain a better understanding of the context of events.
It's critical that the reporter on this beat builds an array of sources in city, county and state government and throughout our diverse community. And while you'll cover government meetings, your focus will be on issues of broad interest to readers, not on government process.
Additional topics will include politics, elections and agriculture.
You will be expected to produce at least 4 to 5 stories a week and one enterprise piece every month. The expected schedule is Monday through Friday, but will vary depending on news needs.
Responsibilities:
- Write stories on tight deadlines that are complete, fair and provide context for readers.
- Produce fast-moving, highly readable stories while also working on in-depth, topical stories.
- Use data and research to inform reporting.
- Request and track public records and use and develop databases for revelatory reporting.
- Use social media platforms both as a news-gathering tool and as a way to push the news out quickly and build our audience, as well as your own brand.
- Use SEO smartly and strategically.
- Understand and use audience metrics to help increase readership.
- Shoot photos and video when needed.
- Meet departmental goals: Help formulate goals and actively seek to meet them.
- Participate in training sessions offered and seek out learning opportunities to keep skills updated in a continuously evolving industry.
- Work collaboratively with co-workers.
Qualifications:
- College degree preferred.
- Reporters with a year or more of news experience will be most comfortable in this role.
- Reliable transportation.
- Valid driver’s license and a good driving record.
- Vehicle insurance (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).
- Strong news judgment and knowledge of libel laws and journalistic ethics.
- Command of grammar, spelling, AP style, as well as skills in story organization and clear writing.
- An intuitive sense of what’s important and interesting to audiences on all platforms.
- A deep curiosity and high energy.
- The ability to write quickly, accurately and engagingly on a wide variety of topics.
- A commitment to diverse coverage through community engagement and source building.
- A collaborative work ethic and the ability to communicate easily with people around the office and across the company.
- Proficient knowledge of technology including content management systems and storytelling tools.
- Ability to quickly and accurately research and verify the authenticity of information, sources, photos and video.
- Fluency in Spanish is highly desirable.Products