The Appleton Post-Crescent / www.postcrescent.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a reporter to join our team that covers K-12 education and statewide education issues.
We’re looking for an energetic, hard-working journalist who will become a must-follow source both locally and statewide. This reporter will provide meaningful coverage for residents, including quick-response breaking news, as well as thoughtful analysis of trends in education both in the Appleton area and throughout Wisconsin. Stories would not be limited to the Post-Crescent, but could also appear in the Green Bay Press Gazette, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel and elsewhere.
Appleton is nestled in the Fox Valley, just half an hour from Green Bay and less than two hours from Milwaukee. It and its neighboring communities make up the Fox Cities, a metro area of nearly 400,000 seated along the Fox River. Between the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center’s Broadway shows, numerous parks and trails, the lively Fox River Mall and downtown’s vibrant College Avenue, there’s a lot to explore in this northeastern Wisconsin community. The 170-year-old Post-Crescent has a proud tradition of serving the valley with strong, local coverage, toward which this position will contribute.
The ideal candidate has solid reporting and writing skills, natural curiosity and an ability to identify stories that will help bring in new readers. This includes being able to determine the best way to tell individual stories, from text to audio to video to Q&A or other alternative formats. This reporter must have a passion for telling stories quickly when needed, in-depth when called for, and always with accuracy.
The successful applicant will have a bachelor’s degree, preferably in journalism, as well as practical experience in media (including college programs).
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 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.
Requirements
Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field -- or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Adept at taking photos and video with a cellphone.
Strong command of AP grammar and style.
Ability to effectively work remotely, whether at home or from the field. We provide a laptop.
The ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
Passionate and enthusiastic about hyperlocal news.
A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our network.
Understand reporting ethics and sourcing.
Collaborate well with others.
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’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
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.
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.