Mental Health Reporting Fellowship at Gannett in McLean, Virginia

Job Description:

Mental Health Reporting Fellowship

USA TODAY is seeking a reporter for a 12-month fellowship on a grant-funded project focusing on youth mental health.

This reporter will be part of a three-person team that covers topics such as youth mental health, women in caregiving roles and more from a solutions journalism perspective.This reporter will work with our Wellness editor and Life team and produce major projects, enterprise stories, daily coverage,and some content for social media.

This position focuses primarily on reporting and research but experience appearing on camera and in social content is a plus. We're looking for someone who can come up with thoughtful features and projects but can also react quickly to the news with day-turnstories. An interest in Gen Z, Gen Alpha and the youth mental health crisis is a necessity.

Successful candidates are outstanding writers who are skilled at drawing out meaningful quotes from a diverse array of sources. We're looking for someone with ideas who is ready to pitch engaging, eye-catching pieces. You'll need to possess strong SEO skills, impeccable news judgement and a familiarity with metrics. We're on the lookout for someone who is interested in writing solutions-oriented pieces that go beyond just outlining the problems facing young people in America today.

The fellowship lasts one year and is full-time, 40 hours a week. The annual salary is $95,000.

Although the grant is expected to end after 12 months, sometimes additional funding can be obtained to extend a grant beyond the end date. If that would occur, your employment under the grant might also be extended.

The start date is flexible for the right candidate. This is a remote position, and candidates can be based in any state except for Alaska or Hawaii. This role is benefits eligible, and fellows will be able to enroll in Gannett's insurance, 401(k), and other benefit programs.

Responsibilities:

• Write quick-turn stories that pertain to the topic of youth mental health.
• Pitch and report several big enterprise projects during the fellowship.
• Collaborate with teammates (remotely) to further develop story ideas and brainstorm.
• Optimize content for SEO, homepage promotion and social media.
• Work with a dedicated producer to ensure each story you write has a compelling design, photos, video,and social presentation.
• Travel as needed to conduct research or interviews.
• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity and credibility.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent writing and source-gathering skills.
• Demonstrated expertise with social media and must be comfortable using these platforms to find sources and promote content.
• Strong command of AP style, spelling,and grammar.
• A thorough understanding of metrics and how to use these to inform coverage decisions.
• Must enjoy collaborating and working with teammates remotely.
• Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience working in WordPress and with a variety of metrics and headline testing tools is a plus.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Applications Instructions

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.

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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