Missouri Connect Reporter at Gannett in McLean, Virginia

Job Description:

The USA TODAY Network is looking for a Missouri Connect reporter to join our service journalism and trending Connect team. This reporter will provide timely and audience-focused coverage in Missouri, St. Louis, Kansas City, Branson and where other news develops and topics take us across the state.

We are looking for a reporter who is quick and flexible - full of topic-focused story ideas, who can urgently pursue them and write them at volume in varied formats. This reporter should be deeply curious, highly competitive and possess the desire to inform digital audiences. The reporter should be comfortable working with local and national editors and reporters across the USA TODAY Network, and able to seamlessly move between topics. We start with the headline, so great digital headline-writing skills are a must.

The reporter will work alongside our USA TODAY Network Missouri sites or the network Connect editors and content strategists to cover high-interest stories, help swarm breaking news and plan for major events.

This reporter should be comfortable interacting with and listening to social media and other digital communities, and being comfortable on camera is a plus. They will use data and analytics, and Google Trends and other SEO tools to inform their story choices and presentation on and off our platforms. This reporter must love telling stories quickly when needed, in-depth when called for, and always with accuracy. Living in or recently have lived in Missouri or having familiarity with the state and interests of communities is a plus.

The typical shift will start early, but must be flexible for what the topic needs, meaning nights and/or weekends may also be required. The position is fully remote.

Responsibilities:

Monitor emails, social media, community groups and other sources to find stories.
Monitor developing stories across news, social and other media platforms for key topics important to Missourians
Efficiently and accurately write stories, several per day.
Find, pitch and swiftly produce stories on topics of emerging interest, with a focus on what readers want and need to know.
Ensure content is properly optimized for competitive search ranking and best practices for user experience.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field
Expert at using social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Bluesky.
Command of concise writing, spelling, grammar, and AP style.
Good fact-checking and reporting skills.
Well-organized, detail-oriented and flexible.
Ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.

How To Apply:

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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The hourly rate for this role will range between $16.44 and $33.65. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.
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