The Austin Business Journal is seeking a government/courts reporter who can marry strong traditional journalism skills – source building, sharp interviewing techniques, strong analytical and investigative reporting skills, clear writing, document use – with online and social media know-how.
Duties: Reporters here are expected to contribute both short-form (daily online posts) and long-form (print) stories. Candidates must be able to scoop competition around the globe mercilessly and own the news-producing intersection of where the public and private sectors meet. This takes serious source-building/maintaining skills and the ability to dive into paper trails. We’re seeking someone who can dig up ahead-of-the-curve business intelligence within local governments, chambers of commerce and the courts. Primary stories revolve around new business regulations proposed, incentives deals, bankruptcies/lawsuits, rezonings, etc. A couple of the currently most-read business stories coming out of City Hall: Google and AT&T’s high-speed Internet race and Austin’s trouble with ridesharing companies like Lyft and Uber.
Skills: Thorough and efficient reporting and crisp writing; ability to work independently and remotely; ability to break news and to identify newsworthy events and sources; strong analytical and investigative interviewing skills; ability to relate comfortably to a wide range of people, in person and online, and to develop sources and audience; competitive, collaborative, curious; solid understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics and story structure; ability to leverage relationships with sources to deliver content that differentiates the ABJ from competitors. Our biggest difference: EVERYTHING we publish seeks to make someone money, connect them to someone they should know, or teach them how business gets done. We don’t chase Web clicks, yet we’re a powerhouse among the American City Business Journals chain.
Experience: Proven experience as a journalist building, maintaining and engaging an active audience. Knowledge of business and/or Central Texas business landscape a plus. Experience with using social media to source and promote content also a plus.
How to apply: Please email resume/clips to Editor Colin Pope at cpope@bizjournals.com.
