Salem, OR, USA Req #12207

Friday, October 30, 2020

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Equity & Social Justice Issues Reporter

The Statesman Journal/ statesmanjournal.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a watchdog enterprise reporter to cover Oregon people and issues through the lenses of equity, accountability and potential solutions. This would include covering the Salem area's 23% and growing Latino population, as well as exposing disparities both obvious and subtle impacting other minority groups, lower-income residents, seniors and the LGBTQ community.

Areas of focus would include the justice system, housing, employment, community services, arrest and incarceration rates, etc. We want an investigator and a storyteller with the ability to identify trends, champion new and often unheard voices in the community, and hold the powerful accountable.

The ideal candidate also will be comfortable pursuing big stories on their own, but also eager to collaborate across the newsroom.

We are a digital-first organization that puts an emphasis on posting online first. This journalist must have a talent and passion for digital storytelling that leads to increased digital subscriptions and digital audience growth.

Salem is Oregon's state capital. The Statesman Journal covers Marion and Polk counties in the Mid-Willamette Valley, home to hundreds of vineyards and wineries and craft breweries. The Statesman Journal is one hour from Portland, 90 minutes from the Oregon Coast, and amazing outdoor experiences are even closer.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Works with content strategist and audience analyst to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better 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.
• Requires the ability to create trust within their niche community. The primary channel will be our digital products first, but the content will also make its way into printed publications.
• Identifies, cultivates and curates contributed, authoritative content and reporting that expands the footprint of the beat.

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 2-3 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
• Fluency in Spanish is preferred.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Must be willing to travel on short notice, to cover breaking news events.
• Work weekends and nights as needed by the news cycle.
• 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 driving roles only).

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 or online portfolio. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.