Job Description

Reporter – Government (Johnson County)

Summary: This position is the primary reporter for covering local government bodies and business community in Johnson County. Gathers and writes a variety of news and features stories focused on local government/public affairs reporting and works to engage community in innovative ways. This reporter should be comfortable writing regionally-focused enterprise stories, localized and people-focused government stories and is able to juggle daily and deadline reporting on a regular basis. This position should be positioned to publish stories frequently, and able to juggle varying deadlines. .

Responsibilities:

• Strong understanding of putting complex topics into context and writing clearly and concisely. Tracks trends on topical area and develops and cultivates sources (i.e. people, records, databases, etc.) across a government, business and other regional interests.
• Uses public records, open records requests and data to supplement reporting; understands basic spreadsheet and data analysis.
• Monitors public agendas of government bodies and writes about the events, explaining the impacts through eyes of those impacted. Works to anticipate major storylines and present coverage that frames those discussions.
• Maintains a list of story ideas relevant to readers with emphasis on original enterprise stories that set an agenda for the city, county, region. Takes ownership of topical area(s). Is recognized as the in-house expert in topical area of expertise.
• Understands digital mindset and uses analytics and metrics to extend reach of work.
• Uses solid news judgement, strong writing skills to frame stories to regional audiences.
• Can shoot video and still pictures as necessary while gathering proper facts and details. Candidate is responsible for performing basic video editing and web publishing.
• Effectively communicates with visuals team about video and visual images with story.
• Passionate about explainer style reporting and uses alternative story forms, newsletter and podcasts to effectively tell stories and engages audience.
• Comfortable hosting/moderating in-person and online panel discussions as required
• Uses social media and newsletters to help build audience.
• Demonstrates proficiency in using existing and new tools to gather, display and report content and also present news in context. Attends training to learn and apply these tools.
• Adheres to all professional and company policies and ethical standards.

Job skills & attributes:  Ideal candidate will be a flexible, self-motivated, creative go-getter and problem solver who works well on a team with varying abilities. Candidate must display technical aptitude and have strong ability to write and report well and distill complex subjects into understandable, accessible elements. Must have empathy and toughness and be a good listener. Must work well with others and be attentive to follow-up with sources and customers. Candidate possesses basic video and photography skills, but always has desire to learn new skills.

Minimum Requirements: Undergraduate degree in journalism, English or related course of study. Must have valid driver's license and history of safe driving habits. Candidate must demonstrate ability to work quickly and accurately and must have ideas on how to present news in an ever-changing media landscape. Some video, photography skills are a must. Approximately 2 to 5 years experience in a multimedia newsroom is required.

Salary: Regular/Hourly 40 hours.

The Gazette is a publication of Adams MultiMedia, an equal opportunity employer.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.