Austin American-Statesman seeks a business reporter

The Austin American-Statesman/statesman.com,part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a smart, self-motivated, ambitious, digital-minded reporter to become a leading voice in business coverage in the Austin area.

This reporter is responsible for developing a multi-faceted beat that includes all aspects of business reporting from economic development, real estate growth, employment and transportation to business openings and closings, particularly those in key industries of technology, retail and food/dining.

Austin is a vibrant and growing metro city, now the 11th largest in the nation, and we are seeking a reporter who can bolster our team of business, growth and development writers.With Elon Musk’s Tesla headquarters and major tech players like Samsung, Meta (Facebook), Google, Oracle and more setting up shop, Austin’s technology industry is booming. Explosive growth of housing developments and business expansion within our surrounding suburbs led to one of our communities being named the fastest growing city in the U.S.

The ideal candidate for this job is an investigative reporter who understands how to develop sources and use local public records along with state and federal databases, annual and quarterly reports, FOIA and social media to write stories. Must be able to juggle multiple stories at a time and work with urgency to meet daily and long-range deadlines. We’re looking for someone with clean copy and a rock-solid knowledge of AP style who can file stories from the field as easily as they can from a desk. Previous business reporting and at least two years of experience ata daily newspaper or equivalent media are preferred.

Must be available to work some evenings and weekends and be available to cover breaking news. Relocation is required.

This job offers a great opportunity to report and write on a wide variety of topics and become ingrained in a community or it can be a stepping stone to other reporting jobs in the USA TODAY Network.

Responsibilities: 

• Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
• Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
• Be courageous about experimentation.
• Be a team player who likes to collaborate with local and regional teams within the USA TODAY NETWORK.
• Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Five years of experience in professional journalism writing and reporting or substantial internship or fellowship experience.
• Understanding of metrics, social media, and SEO.
• Solid news judgment.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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:  

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 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.

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. 

To apply, go here.