Want to cover the elected officials, candidates, races and the big issues on Colorado’s Western Slope? Swift Communications is seeking a versatile reporter to cover politics for its newspaper group in the Colorado High Country. This reporter will juggle daily news coverage with longer-term investigative projects while reporting on elected officials in the Colorado statehouse, Gov. Jared Polis, congressional Reps. Lauren Boebert and Joe Neguse, and Sens. John Hickenlooper and Michael Bennet.
The beat is politics, but the focus is on policy and holding those in power accountable for their decisions. If you have a nose for reporting and a gift for storytelling, and can cut through the spin, this job is for you. This reporter will chase stories of impact on topics that matter to Western Slope voters — housing, employment, outdoor recreation, water, public lands, transportation, climate change and Colorado’s energy transition. You’ll also cover the votes, the races, the challengers, and dig into campaign finance and state/federal budgets. We are looking for someone with one to two years of experience working in a daily journalism environment.
You’ll be focused on daily coverage, and longer-term investigative reporting. The ideal candidate will have superior reporting skills and the ability to provide timely explanatory pieces, quick-turn analysis off breaking news, and compelling profiles of those making news in a region known for ski boots and cowboy boots. You’ve got to be a planner who knows how to strategize and execute, and you also need to be able to pivot quickly when news happens. This job is all about details — plotting coverage, hitting deadlines, doing your homework, crafting stories that avoid the jargon of government reporting, and driving digital engagement.
Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):
- Generate 5-6 bylined stories per week.
- Take photos and video as well as create and share content on social media.
- Demonstrate effective use of social media tools to source stories and drive traffic to our digital and print products.
- Work well with a team of editors and reporters as well as other newsroom staff.
- Be flexible in a changing, fast-paced environment.
- Ensure accuracy, fairness and correct spelling in all reporting duties.
- Follow direction and vision of the group editor
- Make assigned deadlines without exception.
- Fill in for reporting vacancies as needed.
- Be ethical within the guidelines set by the editor.
- Be a team player and help where needed.
Qualifications:
- Journalism, English or communications degree required
- One year reporting experience
- Must be available to work some nights and weekends
- Experience with content management systems
- Digital photography experience
- Knowledge of AP style
- Spanish language skills preferred
- Availability to work some nights and weekends
- Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
- Must have a current driver’s license or the ability to get one
Location: Must be located in Denver metro area or Western Slope.
Compensation: $24-$26/hour depending on experience.
Apply by emailing resume, cover letter and clips to npeterson@vaildaily.com.
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