South Dakota paper seeks business reporter

The American News in Aberdeen, S.D., is seeking an energetic, motivated business and consumer reporter for our newspaper and website at AberdeenNews.com.

The economy of Aberdeen and northeastern South Dakota is driven by agriculture, but health care and higher education are also growing fields. Being able to work with everyone from farmers to bank presidents will be required.

The preferred candidate will be an aggressive reporter who will excel at running a beat, breaking news, and telling stories in unique and interesting ways. Balancing breaking news, features and profiles, and enterprise/watchdog stories is a must.

This reporter will manage the American News “business & consumer” brand on social media and digital platforms such as Twitter. A self-starter who can work independently is desired; innovative and creative thinking is encouraged. This position requires some night or weekend work.

Duties:

1. Understand community and develop sources within it

2. Report accurately from assigned beats

3. Report & file for print and digital platforms, emphasizing the best of both

4. Create lively, interesting, consumer-driven content for Friday Community Business page

5. Develop enterprise and deep news articles from beats

6. Keep editors informed of the talk of the community

7. Flexibility in hours and duties as necessary

Job Requirements:

-Must be self-starter and willing to make decisions

– Knowledge of spelling, grammar, style

– Must understand theory, application of standard reporting procedures

– Must understand newsroom structure and the functions within it.

Abilities:

– Must be a good writer and storyteller

– Must be curious, imaginative

– Must engage many types of people in conversation

– Must distance self from topics at hand in order to report as fairly and deeply as possible

– Must handle constructive criticism

– Must juggle numerous responsibilities at once

– Commitment to accuracy and strong people skills required

Education Preferred: A bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field is required

Experience Preferred: Experience at a daily newspaper and beat work is strongly encouraged, but not required. Demonstrating previous successful beat work a plus.Must have valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

To apply, go here.