Public safety and government watchdog reporter at Gannett in New Philadelphia, Ohio

Job Description:

The Times-Reporter seeks a public safety and government watchdog reporter who is energetic, flexible and puts audiences first.

The position will focus on public safety and court issues affecting the Times-Reporter's most vulnerable residents as well as accountability in local government in the Dover and New Philadelphia, Ohio, areas. We are a digital-first newsroom, with reporters working with editors to shape the best way to tell individual stories, from text to audio to video to Q&A or other alternative formats.

The reporter will be expected to create both quick-turn breaking and trending news content as well as regular watchdog enterprise work, including solutions reporting based on issues and concerns from community members and neighborhoods.

We value top-flight journalism that connects with and engages readers. And we'll give you the time and coaching to deliver high-impact stories our digital readers crave. Through the USA TODAY Network, we benefit from industry experts, sophisticated tools and training.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.

• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.

• Connects with the community through storytelling.

• Works with local editors and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

• Captures basic photos and video as needed.

• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

• Provides 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.

• Two years' reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.

• Previous experience covering public safety and/or government preferred.

• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

• 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.

• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.

• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.

• 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.

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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