Local Government Reporter
The Idaho Statesman seeks a digitally-focused local government reporter to cover cities and counties within the Treasure Valley. We’re looking for someone with a record of reporting that holds leaders and institutions accountable, makes a concrete difference in the community and directly affects readers’ lives. We’re looking for a writer with exceptional storytelling ability.
Boise is in the fastest-growing region of the nation’s fastest-growing state. With a walkable downtown and easy access to outdoor recreation, it’s long been a staple on national “best of” lists. Now, local governments are dealing with the results of that attention, attempting to balance growth and development with the character that makes Southwest Idaho such a unique place to live.
At the Statesman, the reader comes first, last and always. Serving readers in a crowded media marketplace means becoming the best and most relevant source of journalism that matters to them -- and ensuring that our work reaches them, wherever they are. This will require a keen understanding of what’s important to local readers, developed through reporting on and familiarity with the region; through the extensive use of reader analytics such as social media referrals and time spent on a story; and through a constant awareness of what people are sharing and talking about on social media.
You’ll be keeping tabs on several jurisdictions important to our readers. You’ll need to network extensively, obtain and use public records daily, and take and assign photos and video. You’ll need to work fast on breaking news and competitive stories, go deep on complex personal, political and policy stories, generate ideas and take assignments.
You’ll need a demonstrated commitment to fairness and accuracy, in fact and in tone, and a strong grounding in journalism ethics. You’ll need a demonstrated commitment to the effective use of social media and SEO techniques to build readership. You must be curious. Imaginative. Aware. Smart.
And if you can speak Spanish, so much the better.
Minimum requirements:
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Bachelor’s degree in journalism or a relevant field.
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At least two years of professional journalism experience.
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Strong writing and reporting skills and excellent news judgment.
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Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism.
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Demonstrated ability to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reach audiences.
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Fluency in the science of readership and engagement.
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Demonstrated ability to tell stories using a variety of tools and platforms, including video
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Demonstrated ability to learn new skills and technologies, including content management systems; social media platforms; video editing software; Omniture, CrowdTangle and other analytics tools; and any emerging storytelling tools and platforms.
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Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give
constructive criticism. -
Demonstrated ability to work comfortably in a job that will be fast-paced, data-driven, shaped constantly by feedback and experimentation and always evolving.