Gannett (USA Today) seeks a breaking news/trending reporter

The Worcester Telegram & Gazette, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a self-starting, digitally savvy reporter to cover breaking and trending news in Central Massachusetts.

The successful candidate will be capable of efficiently handling a variety of stories from crime and courts to lighter human interest fare. Additionally, the reporter will identify trending topics in the Worcester area and quickly create high-interest stories to reach new audiences and encourage loyal readers to subscribe. It’s a high-volume beat, responsible for one to three short posts most weekdays, while balancing some ongoing, longer-range features.

Responsibilities:

• Additionally, the reporter will identify trending topics in the Worcester area and quickly create high-interest stories to reach new audiences and encourage loyal readers to subscribe
• It’s a high-volume beat, responsible for one to three short posts most weekdays, while balancing some ongoing, longer-range features
• The reporter should bring creativity and openness to alternative story forms that give the reader information in a quick and concise way
• This is primarily a weekday job, but will include occasional weekend shifts

Qualifications:

• This job requires an understanding of social media, Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset determined to see one’s work at the top of our pageview charts each day
• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 3 or more years of professional journalism experience or significant internship experience, preferred
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law

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:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
• 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.

For further information click here.