State Reporter/Bureau Chief
The AJC's mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia and the South. To achieve that mission, we will transform ourselves from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company. Writers, video/audio journalists and digital experts will collaborate to deliver the highest standard of journalism across platforms and borders to inform and enlighten our audiences.
We are seeking State Reporters/Bureau Chiefs in key communities around Georgia - Macon, Augusta, Columbus and Athens - to cover important stories of the region and draw subscribers in their area. These reporters will have and build important connections to newsmakers and local officials to have them recognize that The Atlanta Journal-Constitution is an important statewide institution.
You will be responsible for diving deep into the stories that define these communities, covering topics such as politics, culture, economics, education, environment, and more. The AJC wants you to bring the rich tapestry of Georgia's communities to life through a a wide range of breaking news, enterprise and watchdog reporting, including immersive storytelling and compelling profiles. If you're ready to make an impact, explore the important issues of Georgia's key communities, and tell stories that matter, this is the role for you. Join us on this exciting journey to become the go-to source for journalism in Georgia.
To do this role, you must be driven and able to operate with a high degree of independence, initiating coverage of what is important to your communities and important for readers to know about their region. In addition to covering local issues, you will often serve the politics and state government team with news from your community and region, so you must be able to make connections with local leaders, lawmakers, and other local, state and national political figures as well as everyday citizens and voters impacted by news. Flexibility and the ability to respond to news are essential; one day you might turn fast reports on breaking news in your home community and another day write an in-depth enterprise news feature.
The ideal fit for these roles will have strong local connections already or the ability to quickly build a wide source base. You must have or develop deep expertise in current and historic trends, personalities and events in the community to be served. In addition, you must be adept at building a digital audience, creating a two-way conversation with readers and serving readers across multiple platforms. The roles require comfort with changing technology, use of metrics to measure audience success and the ability to make many decisions independently on deadline. A candidate who has experience beyond basic beat news will have an advantage; that experience could include enterprise, regional, editing, columnist or correspondent roles for online media, television or print.
A successful candidate must be a gifted writer and storyteller and must be comfortable representing the AJC in other media and extending the AJC's brand. You will serve an astute and demanding audience that values authoritative and timely coverage of topics of interest to the community and region as well as news consumers in metro Atlanta and around Georgia.
When you apply, indicate which location(s) - Macon, Augusta, Columbus and Athens - you are applying for and explain why you would be a good fit for the area(s).
The responsibilities above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position.
Education And Experience
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or Public Relations preferred.
With a BA/BS, need to have 4+ years of relevant experience (may have a Master's with 2+ years of experience or Ph.D. with a year or more of experience or 8 years of total relevant experience).
Other Experience/skills
Excellent writing and copy-editing skills to produce clean copy on deadline without significant editing.
Proven record of serving audiences with in-depth, engaging content is required.
Proven ability to operate under minimal supervision in a fast-paced, demanding environment is required.
Proven ability to produce content that is shaped by research, audience metrics and audience needs in print and in digital is required.
Strong news judgment and demonstrated success in editorial decision-making
Comfort in operating as an individual voice and occasionally as an institutional voice.
Video and/or podcasting and social media experience a strong plus.
Excellent communication skills with a collaborative attitude.
Ability to interface with other journalists, sources, public officials, and local authorities.
Reliable transportation and reliable internet service are required.
The roles will be based in the community served; a small stipend will be available to establish local workspace or assist with home office expenses.