County Government Reporter

The Daily News-Record is hiring a focused and experienced full-time Rockingham County Beat Reporter to join its award-winning team in Harrisonburg, Va.

The reporter will research and write multiple daily stories about the governments of Rockingham County’s seven incorporated towns and the news of these town meetings, plus Rockingham County Planning Commission and Board of Supervisors meetings. The county reporter will follow elected officials and legislation of Virginia’s Sixth Congressional District as it impacts residents of Rockingham County. The county reporter will tell the stories about local impacts of the state and national legislation shaping agriculture, cannabis legislation, Farm Bill, rural development, solar farms and more.

The right candidate will be a passionate journalist looking to launch and build a career in local reporting. The reporter will produce multiple news stories daily for print and online publication from short briefs to in-depth pieces working with time pressure and hard deadlines. They have knowledge of how to write a news story, from constructing a compelling lede, to building a better nut graf and can provide numerous examples of their work.

The Rockingham County reporter will join a bustling newsroom staff of eight reporters, two editors and a full-time photojournalist in our historic, renovated space the center of downtown Harrisonburg. The candidate is pursuing a career in journalism and looking to join an award-winning team that will help them reach their goals.
Responsibilities

Juggle important coverage of hard-hitting stories in the areas of business and technology, housing, local government and healthcare; across different story lengths and formats.

Build relationships with everyday residents of Rockingham County, including refugees and migrants, farmers, convicts, homeless individuals, social workers, police officers, doctors, nurses, teachers, parents, property owners, college students and tourists.

Push through walls for news and answers to questions, empower sources to speak “on the record,” dig through news archives, government plans and legal documents for background.

Provide great context to every story, signpost and write in a clear, concise matter.

Complete assigned coverage from editor, accept and implement continuous feedback.
Qualifications // Skills

Experience in government reporting or related work
A degree in journalism or a related field
Organized and quick writing skills
Good character and judgement
Must have the ability to walk long distances
Must possess a valid Virginia driver’s license
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.