County Watchdog Reporter at Gannett in Asheville, North Carolina

Job Description:

The Asheville Citizen Times is seeking a standout journalist with at least a three years of reporting experience to fill a key role its newsroom. The right person will be adept at breaking hard-hitting stories, writing quick reports as well as deep enterprise and projects.

T he reporter will be the watchdog over Buncombe County government, writing impactful stories that will reach beyond meetings to include stories of people who live and work in a county that ranges from urban to rural to agricultural, with a focus on holding those in power accountable.

This reporter should have a strong social media presence and be eager to work in a digital-first newsroom. This position includes nights and periodical weekend shifts.

The topics are far-ranging and will include environment, real estate, business and social justice issues, and access to housing, health care and government services. We look to go beyond reporting from an institutional level to focus on real people and solutions. Our mission is to make communities better.

This beat, as all coverage area at the Citizen Times, aims to tell stories about every resident, inclusive of all genders, races, physical and mental abilities, ages, religions and ethnicities.

This reporter will tell stories based in Asheville and Buncombe County but will share coverage with sister paper, the Hendersonville Times-News, in Henderson County.

Typical Job Duties

• Tells stories that accurately inform, engage and enlighten our audience.
• Provides thoughtful analysis and produces watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Demonstrates clear, concise writing skills and an emphasis on "why this is important to me."
• Works with editors and analytics to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with colleagues on projects or on breaking news.
• Works with photographer to provide all appropriate elements for stories including photos, videos and graphics. Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Writes clear, fast and accurately in turning coverage of meetings/proceedings into readable storytelling, including stories in alternate format, such as Q&A, What to Know, timelines, etc.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in experience and education related to journalism.
• Three or more years of experience in daily deadline reporting.
• Strong news judgment; commitment to develop and maintain sources; outstanding research skills; ability to meet deadlines, take initiative, receive constructive feedback and work as part of a team.
• Attend in-person meetings that may last in excess of two hours and quickly and concisely report on deadline.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and stories in a fast-paced environment.
• Adept at using social media to report, tell stories, engage readers and cover breaking news.
• A valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

About the Citizen Times and Asheville

The Asheville Citizen Times is the largest daily newspaper in Western North Carolina. Asheville, North Carolina, is a vibrant community in the heart of the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. It is home to the nation's most visited national park site, the Blue Ridge Parkway, and some of the nation's best mountain biking, hiking and kayaking in nearby Pisgah and Nantahala national forests. It's also known as a top restaurant destination and boasts dozens of craft breweries, and is a haven for artists, craftspeople and live music.

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.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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