USA Today (Gannett) seeks a breaking news reporter

USA TODAY/usatoday.com a digital-first Breaking News Reporter focused on finding and reporting on the top news of the day.

Breaking News Reporters identify and report on timely stories of interest to our audiences using news judgment, as well as the latest trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate.

We want someone who can work calmly under tight deadlines, deliver scoops, write quickly, make a lot of phone calls, dig up documents, be creative, think about storytelling on different platforms and deliver sharp headlines. Someone willing to learn new skills is great.

They are also comfortable with live blogs, listicles, quick enterprise stories and excel at SEO. This person will work regularly with reporters and editors across the USA TODAY Network to identify national stories and publish them on USATODAY.com.

The ideal Breaking News Reporter is interested in a little bit of everything and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight.

This Breaking News Reporter works a night shift from Monday through Friday and sometimes helps out on holidays and weekends when needed, such as when coworkers are off.

Responsibilities:

Identify and report on top national news stories of the day and monitor real-time news.
Write and report quickly and accurately, doggedly chasing down tips and trying to answer readers’ questions.
Work with coworkers to deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies.

Requirements:

Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 2 years’ reporting/newsroom experience.
Able to file quickly and accurately.
Strong command of AP grammar and style.
Passionate and enthusiastic about viral news, breaking news and important topics of the day.
Comfortable in fluid, fast-moving, intense situations. Also comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
Collaborate well with others and can work with a team – including teammates and colleagues who are mostly remote.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check.

Minimum salary for this position: $55,000

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

For further information click here.

Mariam Ahmed