Government Watchdog Reporter

Gannett   McLean, VA   Full-time
This job is no longer available.
Job Posting Shared.
Job Posting Reminder Sent.

Req #12331

Tuesday, November 17, 2020
Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is an innovative, digitally focused media and marketing solutions company committed to strengthening communities across our network. With an unmatched reach at the national and local level, Gannett touches the lives of nearly 140 million people monthly with our Pulitzer-Prize winning content, consumer experiences and benefits, and advertiser products and services. Gannett brands include the USA TODAY and more than 260 daily local newspaper brands, digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, WordStream, and ThriveHive and U.K. media company Newsquest. There's never been a better time to join our talented team. Visit Gannett.com/Careers to learn more about our opportunities, and visit Gannett Privacy Policy to understand our privacy policy.

Government Watchdog Reporter


The Fort Collins Coloradoan/Coloradoan.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a watchdog reporter to cover Larimer County’s government and Colorado State University.

This job is well suited for a reporter who can think critically and creatively and write with clarity and impact on complex issues. We will expect you to break important news and develop stories that engage our audiences on multiple platforms.


You must build trust with sources and have an eye for important details buried in local government agendas, budgets and public records. You should have work samples that demonstrate an aptitude for data-driven stories and familiarity with FOIA requests, and a track record of producing compelling, timely, well-sourced stories. We expect that you can recognize compelling, socially shareable stories and that you will be quick to jump on them.


In addition, we will ask you to connect with the community not just via social media, but on camera, and through community forums and events.

Fort Collins is consistently rated as one of the best places to live in the United States. At the foot of the Rockies, we’re an hour north of Denver and home to some of the best outdoors, biking and dining experiences in the region. Oh yeah, and our craft beer scene is pretty great, too.

The Coloradoan is a digitally oriented newsroom that demands excellence in multi-platform storytelling. Want to wow us? Go beyond the byline. Show us how you can bring your work to readers in real time and via the many multimedia tools at your disposal. Show us excellent communication skills mixed with an inquisitive mind and a bold use of diverse sources. If you can show us those traits, we’d love to win with you.


Responsibilities:

  • Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages the audience.

  • Connects with the community through reporting and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.). Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

  • Works with content strategist to evaluate what's working and develops ongoing plans to satisfy audience needs.

  • Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). 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, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.

  • Work samples that demonstrate storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.

  • Proven experience producing accurate reports under deadline pressure, in a style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.

  • Proficiency on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.

  • Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.

  • Ability to shoot basic photos and videos in a breaking news situation.

  • Strong news judgement and ability to multitask.

  • Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.

  • 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 drug screen (for all driving roles only).
     
     

Application Instructions:
When applying, please include a single document with as much of the following as possible: a brief cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position, your updated resume, and portfolio/clips/links to a few samples of your work. It’s important that your materials be combined into a single document, preferably in PDF format. The application will only allow one document upload. Completing these steps will ensure that you receive the highest consideration.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer. We are a drug free, EEO employer committed to a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified candidates regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, gender identity, family responsibilities, disability, education, political affiliation, or veteran status. 

Other details

  • Job Family UNION
  • Job Function Marketing Solutions
  • Pay Type Hourly
This job is no longer available.

Gannett

McLean, VA