Crime Reporter

Communications Company's print and/or digital markets - Dickinson, Jamestown, Fargo, or Grand Forks, ND; Mitchell or Sioux Falls, SD; Detroit Lakes, Perham, Wadena, Alexandria, Willmar, Worthington, Rochester, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Park Rapids, Pequot Lakes, Cloquet, Duluth, or Bemidji, MN; Superior, WI***

SUMMARY

The Vault, a division of Forum Communications Company, is looking for a reporter to produce stories on true crime and mystery. These stories will pull from cold case files, newspaper archival research and new or active crime and courts cases that can be written with regional appeal for news websites in Minnesota, North Dakota and South Dakota. This reporter will produce a combination of written stories and multimedia content, alongside the appropriate teams, for podcasts and video.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE

Research historical true crime/cold cases and maintain an active portfolio of story ideas
Develop unique stories and multimedia presentations for The Vault, aimed at engaging digital readers and growing a loyal audience around true crime content
Develop sources and regular touchpoints in the region for developing story ideas
Contribute regularly to The Vault podcast and/ or other audio storytelling initiatives
Plan and execute a publication schedule of original reporting on a weekly, monthly and quarterly basis, with accommodation for quick-turn stories on breaking news about cases of regional interest.
Collaborate with digital teams and use available tools to gain insight into story/audience metrics
Determine new ways to create and present Vault content online
Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations; contribute to the overall advancement of digital content initiatives

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

Strong writing/reporting experience for a newspaper, website, magazine or specialty publication is required.
Experience using basic digital analytics and social media tools is preferred.
Basic knowledge of video and photo editing is preferred.
Experience writing with AP Style is a plus.
Journalism or communications degree is helpful, though equivalent experience will be considered.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITY:

Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
A strong sense of purpose and urgency for developing engaging story content.
Resourcefulness is a must; ability to independently develop sources, story ideas and track down visual elements to accompany stories.
An understanding of true crime journalism, the true crime media ecosystem and the ethical hurdles inherent in coverage of this topic.
Video or audio/podcast production skills and familiarity would be a plus.
Must be able to multitask and juggle different assignments in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to work quickly and accurately using a Web-based content management system.
Be creative, hardworking and a self-starter, able to work independently and contribute to a team.

At Forum Communications Company, our legacy is deeply rooted in harnessing the power of communication to connect and inform people in the communities we serve. Since 1917, everything we do is driven by creating and sharing information, ideas and insights.

Today, we're a leading media and technology company that's home to a family of people whose passion and purpose is fueled by collaboration and innovation. We believe in supporting each other, working hard towards common goals and having fun.

Come for the perks: Excellent employee culture, competitive pay, 401(k), company-paid volunteer time, health and wellness initiatives for all employees. Additional perks for full-time positions include: comprehensive benefits package, generous paid time off, paid holidays and paid time off for birthday, paid parental and pregnancy disability leave for qualifying employees.

Stay for the people: Family-owned and operated since 1917, development and growth opportunities, inclusive, creative culture, safe working environment, employees of all ages and backgrounds, positive collaboration.

We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law. FCC currently does not offer employer sponsorship.