New York Connect Team consumer/trending news reporter

About the role:

This reporter is part of the New York Connect Team serving the USA TODAY Network, focusing on consumer news, trending news and service journalism.

The reporter will seek out stories that are of interest to our audiences using the latest in trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate. In evaluating the possibility of pursuing consumer news in New York state communities, this reporter will assess the likely degree of public interest and public or personal impact of that consumer news.

A great Connect reporter is interested in a little bit of everything, can report on a variety of topics and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. This person should be creative, write in a conversational style and deliver sharp headlines.

The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories on a daily basis with aplomb, all the while staying focused on the digital details of story production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets and other points of optimization.

• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news, via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
• Monitor real-time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences.
• Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies. This includes being adept at SEO.
• Identify top trending stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential, specific to attracting search and social audiences.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms. This includes experimenting with long-tail (evergreen) content.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, at least two years' experience in journalism or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience using social media accounts to identify stories a plus.
• Experience creating visual news graphics optimized for social a plus.

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.