US News seeks a student loans reporter

U.S. News & World Report is a multifaceted digital media company dedicated to helping citizens, consumers, business leaders and policy officials make important decisions in their lives. We publish independent reporting, rankings, data journalism and advice that has earned the trust of our readers and users for nearly 90 years. Our platforms on usnews.com include Education, Health, Money, Travel, Cars, News and 360 Reviews.

We reach more than 40 million people monthly during moments when they are most in need of expert advice and motivated to act on that advice directly on our platforms. Our signature franchises include our “Best” series of consumer guides on colleges, graduate schools, hospitals, diets, cars, financial services and more. These guides provide an easy-to-digest list for consumers to better understand and compare when making their decisions. We continue to publish annual guides of the authoritative Best Colleges and Best Hospitals rankings on our website and in print. And our U.S. News Live flagship conferences highlight important national conversations including Healthcare of Tomorrow and Healthiest Communities.

We believe in having a broad range of talent and backgrounds at U.S. News. We strive to maintain a welcoming workplace where everyone is given an opportunity to succeed and contribute to their fullest. Learn more about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiative.

Your role in helping us shape the future:

U.S. News is seeking a sharp student loans expert and reporter to empower consumers with the knowledge needed to make the best student loan decisions.

This reporter is responsible for writing insightful, actionable articles about private student loans, such as outlining the pros and cons of private vs. federal loans, explaining how a credit score impacts your ability to take out loans for your education, how to get a student loan without a co-signer, when it makes sense to refinance your student loans and how to evaluate student loan lenders. You’ll also expert review our private student loan articles, guides and lender reviews to ensure accuracy and demonstrate expertise to readers. The student loans expert will also work with our PR team to make television, radio and web appearances to promote and be the face and voice of our student loan guides and advice content. Strong writing and communication skills are required, and a student loans/personal finance background is a must.

Are you up to the challenge?

You should be a recognized expert in the private student loans field, with demonstrated expertise via your writing samples and media clips, comfortability with media appearances, and excellent writing skills.

As part of the job, you’ll research and write consumer-friendly student loans stories each week, update student loans content for freshness, and perform an expert review of other student loan content on our site to ensure accuracy and demonstrate expertise to our audience. You’ll also contribute ideas to our student loans advice content strategy and work closely with our PR team to prepare for television, radio and web appearance.

This position involves working closely with an enthusiastic, highly collaborative team of editors, social media experts and PR and communications professionals in a fast-paced digital environment.

Please submit a resume and cover letter for consideration.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS
You should definitely have:

A minimum of three years of journalism experience, with a background in the student loans space

Strong knowledge of the private student loan industry

Previous experience with media appearances and interviews

Solid understanding of SEO concepts and best practices

Strong knowledge of social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter

The ability to multitask and work on tight deadlines in a fast-paced, digital environment

Excellent communication skills

College degree or equivalent

It would be nice if you had:

Expertise in other consumer loan areas, like personal loans, home loans or business loans

Experience with content management systems

Experience using Google Docs and Sheets

Familiarity with SEMRush

Experience with traffic analytics tools like Google Analytics

What it’s like to work with us:

Talent is our best asset!

We invest in people with passion and potential who understand U.S. News’ dedication to our consumers.

Entrepreneurial, mission-driven culture with core values of quality and integrity

Focus on fostering personal and professional growth

Competitive benefits including paid vacation time, medical, tuition reimbursement and training

Collaborative work environment – fun, diverse, inclusive and ambitious co-workers

To apply, go here.