Missouri paper seeks a business reporter

The Springfield Daily Citizen’s Business and Economic Development Reporter primarily covers Springfield area economic news from the perspective of the general public and consumer, with a mix of daily coverage and regular in-depth reports. The reporter primarily writes news and feature stories on the local economy, workforce, businesses of high interest and those with high impact on how Springfield grows. The reporter also assists with other news and feature coverage as needed as part of a growing 8-person newsroom team.

Staff members of the Daily Citizen have the time and support to write in-depth stories, and enjoy a hybrid workplace with set office hours to develop camaraderie and routines, as well as flexible schedules to accommodate modern work preferences. The newsroom is based on the Missouri State University campus within walking distance to restaurants and coffee at the Plaster Student Union and surrounded by the energy and support of higher education.

Our website and related digital products launched in February 2022 with a focus on helping citizens understand and take action on key issues. We have exceeded original goals for readership and paid subscribers, and have been embraced by our community, which is in a metro area of 475,000 people roughly three hours from Kansas City or St. Louis.

The Daily Citizen is a different kind of news source: a nonprofit run by local people and supported by local people and organizations. And we are committed to presenting news in a factual, nonpartisan manner.

Responsibilities include:

• Work with the Managing Editor and other staff to formulate and execute a coverage plan for business and economic development in Metro Springfield, with a focus on the consumer.
• Produce 4-6 daily news and feature stories in a typical week.
• Produce 1-2 in-depth public affairs stories and at least one major project each year. In-depth stories will be designed to engage citizens across political and social spectrums, encourage discourse, strengthen democracy and/or foster participation as citizens and/or volunteers.

Required:

• Four-year degree in journalism or related field, or experience commensurate with four-year degree.
• Minimum of 2 years college journalism or similar experience and demonstrated reporting, editing, and other content skills to serve an audience using multiple digital platforms.
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of the economy and businesses, and ability to develop expertise.

These would be a plus:

• Experience or familiarity with Southwest Missouri.
• Passion for a focus on coverage of public affairs and broader issues of public concern.
• Experience with gathering and analyzing databases of local information, and ability to work with others to prepare them for publication.

We are committed to diversity and inclusion in our coverage and our staffing, and we encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply. Candidates should send a resume, a cover letter outlining how you would approach the job, and links to at least six online samples of your work. Please write to jobs@sgfcitizen.org with the job title in the subject line. Application deadline: April 21, 2023 (although job will remain open until filled).