The Citizen Times seeks an education reporter

The Citizen Times/citizen-times.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking an education reporter eager to write impactful, solution-oriented K-12 stories that will help to make our communities stronger.

The education beat is one of our key issuesThe reporter will cover the Asheville City Schools and the Buncombe County Schools districts. This reporter will be expected to write both quick turn stories on the education news of the day, including coverage of school board meetings, as well as more in-depth enterprise stories and longer-term investigations.

Education coverage does not center on test scores or school events although those are part of the picture, but rather serves a watchdog role focused on student academic and social wellbeing and education policy. Adaptability is essential. We need a reporter who is adept at source development and comfortable speaking with students as well as parents, teachers, bus drivers and school administrators.

Equity and inclusion are central to our reporting and we need a reporter who shares the mission of including the vast array of viewpoints in our communities, including a diversity of ages, genders, races, religion, physical and mental abilities and religions.

We need a reporter who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and doesn’t settle for limits set by school districts’ PIOs. Experience with public records requests, deciphering contracts and working with databases is preferred.

Some of the issues we have covered recently include the closure of a primary school ostensibly due to budget shortfall, the first-ever elected school board for the city of Asheville, historic levels of teacher and staff vacancies and dissatisfaction with pay and working conditions, sexual assaults and hazing and increased security at schools.

Coverage of private schools and higher education may be required on occasion.

Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant community in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains and is home to some of the nation’s best mountain biking, hiking and kayaking. It’s also known as a top restaurant destination, has a thriving arts scene and boasts dozens of craft breweries.

Responsibilities:

• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
• Connect with the community through storytelling.
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with a content coach and digital partners to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with photographers to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• College degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom. Previous education reporting experience preferred.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Proficiency on social media platforms and experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Pre-employment background check and urinalysis drug screen required.

For further details click here.