Watchdog Reporter

The Canton Repository/CantonRep.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a self-motivated, enthusiastic reporter to become the city of Canton watchdog reporter.

We are not looking for someone to sit in meetings and regurgitate agendas. We are interested in a candidate who enjoys breaking news on the city, being a watchdog and producing exclusive enterprise on topics impacting our Stark County population of 375,000 people.

The ideal candidate will juggle daily assignments along with long-range enterprise. They should look to include real people in their reporting and focus on storytelling.

The ideal candidate should have a digital-first mentality; be able to create videos with their stories; be adept at source development, social media, public records, databases and other digital-focused tools; and be fluent in AP style. The position requires relocation to the Canton region, which is home to national companies and organizations such as Timken Steel, Aultman Health Foundation, Timken, Freshmark and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Responsibilities:

• Leverages community sources, online tools and public records to develop stories.
• Breaks exclusive stories, and provides thoughtful, fact-based analysis and narrative features.
• Produces videos.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading news voice on city issues.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
• Collaborates with digital and print production team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos as needed.
• Contributes to coverage of major events and national projects.

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
• Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram and Reddit.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on a smartphone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.
• 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 pre-employment, post-offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.

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.