Growth and Development Reporter

The Akron Beacon Journal/beaconjournal.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is lookingfor a self-motivated, enthusiastic reporter to become the recognized expert covering growth and development, top employersand consumer issues.

This reporter is responsible fordeveloping a multi-faceted beat that includes all aspects of business reporting from economic development, real estate growth, employment and significantnews involving top employers.

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 adept at source development, social media, public records, databasesand other digital-focused tools; and fluent in AP style. The position requires relocation to the Akron region.

Greater Akron is home to national companies and organizations such as Goodyear, FirstEnergy, Gojo Industries, Signet Jewlers,major hospital systemsand two major state universities.The Akron-Canton Airport serves as an important hub for Northeast Ohio travelers.

Responsibilities:

Leverages community sources, online toolsand public records to develop stories about growth and development in the Greater Akronregion.

Breaks exclusive stories, and providesthoughtful, fact-based analysis and narrative features.

Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in growth and development.

Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)

Collaborates with digital and print production team to provideall appropriate elementsfor stories (i.e., photos, videosand graphics). Captures basic photos and videoas needed.

Contributes to coverage of major events and national projects.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

1-3 years’ reporting/newsroom experience, coverage of business.

Understanding of metrics, social mediaand SEO.

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

Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.

Strong communicationskills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.

Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.

Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently.

Strong writing, spellingand 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.

Application Instructions:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’tlimit your upload to a resume; show us what you’vedone. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

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’veproduced or had a hand in that
best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.