The Messenger is looking for a gearhead to lead its U.S. auto coverage. You will know the difference between torque and horsepower and how each is measured. You will know the difference between Tesla’s production and delivery numbers and will be able to explain what it means to consumers when they are up or down.
You will know all the lead product managers at GM, Ford, Tesla and Stellantis (and will have their personal cells on speed dial). You’ll have a list of inside contacts at the UAW and other labor unions and will scoop news of pending discord ahead of competitors. You’ll have contacts at the newest EV makers as well as the bankruptcy attorneys wrapping up last year’s hottest SPACs and IPOs. You’ll be able to take all of that expertise to quickly turn the latest breaking news or in-depth feature – all with eloquence and authority.
Duties include:
- Writing engaging, accurate, informative breaking auto news in a fast-paced news environment as well as in-depth features and enterprise
- Tracking the latest shifts in consumer car buying habits and spotting the latest industry trends
- Cultivating sources within executive ranks, labor unions, consumer watchdogs, suppliers and government regulators
- Writing headlines with an eye toward SEO
- Cutting through the spin in company press releases and SEC filings
- Working closely across teams and departments to tell the news in novel ways, from experimenting with charts and data to video and social media.
Qualifications/Requirements:
- A minimum of three years of experience covering markets or economics news
- Proven track record of breaking news in a fast-paced, real-time news environment
- Strong news judgment and the ability to identify stories and trends relevant to The Messenger’s wide-ranging audience
- Impeccable writing skills
- A hunger to deliver straight-up, unvarnished news presented clearly, concisely, and honestly
- The stamina to work in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines
- The drive to make every story engage readers with smart, fluid writing and attention-getting presentation
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of AP style and other editorial guidelines
- Familiarity with different content management systems and editorial tools
- Ability to work collaboratively across the platform
- A high level of motivation, and organization who possesses outstanding communication and coordination skills
Desired Characteristics:
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in journalism or another relevant field
- Experience at a major online news site, daily financial publication or a large daily newspaper
- Passionate about digital storytelling and creating the best reader experience online
- Ongoing knowledge of and interest in the business world and financial news
- Solid understanding of web standards and SEO
**Salary Range: $65K – $150K (contingent upon experience)**
To apply, go here.
Chris RoushChris Roush was the dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. He was previously Walter E. Hussman Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a former business journalist for Bloomberg News, Businessweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tampa Tribune and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is the author of the leading business reporting textbook "Show me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" and "Thinking Things Over," a biography of former Wall Street Journal editor Vermont Royster.