Public Safety Reporter
The Frederick News-Post, a six-day-a-week newspaper in Frederick, Maryland, is seeking an experienced reporter to cover criminal justice.
Qualified candidates should have three to five years of reporting experience. They will be highly motivated and resouceful enough to find story ideas. They’ll work with a collaborative spirit under daily deadline pressures.
Must be internet/social media savvy and able to shoot photos. Other skills in the areas of video, audio and data visualization are a plus; you'll likely have a chance to use and develop them in our newsroom.
The public safety reporter will do a range of work: breaking news (police, fire and more); court coverage; trend and issue stories.
You have: curiosity, determination, the desire to constantly know more, the wisdom not to assume. You're skeptical about closed meetings and annoyed when a government throws up a roadblock to public records. You make the extra call, ask the extra question. You dive in on a complex topic and craft a quick, tight lede in your head as news breaks.
We're looking for someone motivated and curious — who will press for information that should be public and timely; who will be driven to get more than just the official account on a press release; and who can tell stories, rather than just collecting details. Experience covering law enforcement, crime and courts is preferred.
A bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism, English, or a related program, is preferred.
Must have excellent grammar skills and knowledge of AP style. Attention to detail is essential.
Must possess a valid driver’s license and furnish current driving record with no more than two points for a period of two years, and an acceptable driving history with no suspensions.
The normal schedule is a day shift Monday to Friday, with occasional night shifts and a weekend and holiday rotation.
To apply, send a cover letter (explaining why Frederick is right for you), resume, salary requirements and work samples (particularly showing criminal justice coverage that goes beyond press releases) to jobs@newspost.com. Resumes submitted without a cover letter and salary requirements WILL NOT be reviewed.