The service journalism reporter will lead in the creation of guides, explainers, and other service journalism that translates reporting from the newsroom into content that helps people better understand the context and the effects of the news, and to take action. They will be building for Indianapolis a library of verified, useful information, in user-friendly formats, that helps people navigate systems, and advocate for themselves, their families, or their communities.
The reporter will have the opportunity to think creatively and experiment with formats across a wide variety of subjects, including government, education, criminal justice, economics, and more. They will work with reporters and editors across the newsroom to identify service angles for their stories, produce a steady stream of service content, and create and manage systems to keep service content up-to-date. Their work will help make the newsroom Indianapolis’s go-to source for how things work here.
Responsibilities & Priorities:
- Produce a steady stream of guides and explainers
- Proactively identify high-impact stories that highlight solutions, actionable information and neighborhood-level trends
- Think creativity about using service journalism to explain the news and answer questions that everyone is asking
- Be excited to work in alternative story formats (including briefs, oral histories, slide shows, video reels) that will increase reach and accessibility to information.
- Follow leads from Indianapolis residents and be responsive to their questions and inquiries, prioritizing their needs in story development
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to stay informed about and receive tips on newsworthy events and trends
- Working with the editor, ensure beat priorities reflect community information needs and include diverse perspectives in the reporting
- Work with the Indy Documenters assignment editor to identify relevant public meetings or make other assignments that can help with reporting
- Have an urgency to be responsive to community information needs; and an ability to be first on breaking news
You’re a good fit if you have some of these skill sets:
- You’re eager to make your mark in a high metabolism newsroom
- Experience producing service content, along with a packet of clips
- Flexible and entrepreneurial spirit—you can thrive in a startup environment where you are expected to learn as you go and think outside the box
- Demonstrated commitment to local, public service journalism
- An ability to be a supportive part of a team of reporters
- Stellar news judgment and editorial skills
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Experience telling stories on multiple platforms using audio, social media and/or video
- Ability to work under deadline and prioritize work
- Ability to work evenings as needed
- Interpersonal/communications skills – willing to negotiate and talk through issues in an honest and clear manner
- Ability to maintain confidence when working with sensitive information
- Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals internal and external to the newsroom
- Team player – help others and is supportive Practice a growth mindset, have the ability to see opportunity even in the midst of challenges
Salary levels will be commensurate with experience, starting at: $55,000 (early-career reporters); $65,000 (mid-career reporters); $80,000 (senior reporters)
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