The Oshkosh Northwestern/thenorthwestern.com, part of the USA Today Network-Wisconsin, is looking for a reporter whose primary job is to alert readers about new businesses openings and closings and other business developments in the Oshkosh area.
While alerting readers about “what” is happening, the Streetwise reporter will also help them save time and money by searching for answers behind “why” certain retailers are going bust while others are rapidly expanding.
The ideal reporter is comfortable on social media, in front of a camera and translating business and government euphemisms into understandable sentences. The landscape runs the gamut from covering daily news in a vibrant Wisconsin city to major employers like Oshkosh Corp. and a week in the summer when the annual EAA AirVenture convention makes the city the focus of international aviation.
The speed and scale of change gives the reporter a broad canvas for helping readers understand how their community is changing and what is behind that “Coming Soon” sign they just spotted.
Responsibilities:
Contribute to urgent coverage of business and economic news.
Deep-dive explanatory and watchdog stories on Wisconsin companies, retail and ecommerce shopping trends and consumer scams and rip-offs.
Work with editors to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborate with Streetwise reporters in other USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin locations on statewide trend and news stories.
Collaborate with content team to provide all the appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos and graphics).
Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Requirements:
Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated ability to write quickly on deadline, preferably in a digitally focused environment.
Ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly.
A drive to be better, faster and more interesting than the competition.
Basic photo and video skills.
Strong command of AP grammar and style.
Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and “publication ready.”
Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
Knows social media and how to engage fan base on digital platforms in the public space.
Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
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 and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).
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:
1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. 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.
To apply, go here.
