Gannett (USA Today) seeks a government-focused service journalism reporter

The Las Cruces Sun-News/lcsun-news.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a government-focused service journalism reporter to cover the key issues that affect residents in the city of Las Cruces and Doña Ana County, New Mexico.

Breaking and daily news are part of the beat. But this digital-savvy reporter also digs deep and develops exclusive reporting on how local government decisions affect residents and their families, their wallets and their neighborhoods.

The successful candidate is flexible and produces smart, context-filled stories and other content on tight deadlines while developing high-impact journalism on longer project schedules. They understand we are a digital-first news organization, and they are comfortable writing for various platforms. This role will fit your style if you’re the kind of journalist who’s always thinking of the next story – who has a pipeline of ideas and is eager to collaborate on sharpening and pursuing them.

Responsibilities:

• Create content (articles, videos, photos and social media posts) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice for news and issues in southern New Mexico.
• Work with content coach to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 3 years’ reporting experience preferred, but recent graduates will be considered.
• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check and a motor vehicle record check and drug screen.

How to Apply:

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.

For further details click here.