The Colorado Sun views the economic recovery as a critical coverage area and is particularly interested in how rural areas of the state rebound from pandemic-related pressures as well as shifts from extractive industries including oil and gas development. This reporter should understand state and local government policies, and have the ability to use people-centered reporting to tell the stories of what is — or is not — working. This reporter will focus on rural parts of the state and have free range to write about agriculture and the environment, manufacturing, the oil and gas industry and tourism. We need an ambitious reporter who thrives on a diverse story list.
Duties: Reporters are expected to produce one to two enterprise pieces per week plus be chipping away at bigger projects. All of our reporters are expected to help on other beats as needed, which requires paying attention to all of the content we produce.
The best candidates will also be comfortable recording brief spots for podcasts and public radio appearances, speaking in front of groups, and snapping their own photos as needed. This reporter also will be expected to contribute to The Outsider, our weekly newsletter about outdoor adventure and business.
Reporters should also have an interest in alternative story forms and be willing to experiment with different ways to tell a story in order to best connect with online readers.
Skills and Qualifications: The ability to report thoroughly and write well are paramount. The ideal candidate will be a seasoned reporter, with significant experience covering business and the economy, who is able to work independently.
This person should be a self-starter who knows when to jump on a story and file quickly and when to step back and explain what it all means — and the ability to do both with accuracy and style. Applicants should have cultivated a professional social media presence. Familiarity with basic office programs, including Gmail, Google Docs, WordPress and Slack, is necessary. Confidence in photography, audio recording and editing, videography, data analysis and visualization are all plusses, as is the ability to interview in Spanish or another language useful in reporting stories in Colorado.
Location: This job is located in Colorado. Willingness to travel within the state is required, though pandemic-related concerns may limit this.
Salary: $60,000 to $80,000, depending on experience, plus benefits including access to 401(k), medical, dental and vision insurance.
References: Please provide current and former newsroom references.
About The Sun:
The Colorado Sun is a well-capitalized, award-winning, online news organization created and owned by some of the state’s most experienced journalists. It produces agenda-setting local journalism that highlights the people, places and issues that make Colorado a great place to live, work and play.
To apply, go here.
