Reporter II, Center for Community Journalism

We’re on a mission to save local journalism. You interested?

This position, located in Victorville, CA, is part of Gannett’s Center for Community Journalism – a nationwide leadership, editing and planning structure supporting small and mid-sized newsrooms coast-to-coast. Its mission is to provide unique, high-impact coverage as a public service in local communities.

We are building a sustainable model that will support local journalism far into the future. The CCJ is not interested in merely surviving. We aim to thrive. We are looking for frontline journalists eager to join our quest to transform community journalism for the long haul.

YOU

You are curious and engaging. You naturally want to know more about the world and the people around you and reflect that through your reporting. You are aggressive, competitive, don’t back down and possess an internal compass pointing toward justice.

When you encounter a problem, you long to reveal it so it can be addressed. You have a strong sense of urgency but temper it with reality. People tell you that you are innovative, and solutions oriented. You’re happiest when juggling multiple tasks/assignments/concepts.

You embrace analytics, knowing they’re a way to better understand your audience. If you don’t know your audience now, you will within months of joining the CCJ, and you will publish compelling and enlightening stories that will keep readers coming back for more. You’re not perfect, just determined to be a little better today than you were yesterday.

You understand that living in and connecting face-to-face in the community you cover is vital to effective and resonant storytelling. You are committed to fairness and accuracy, supported by journalistic and personal integrity. You are a solid writer, filing clean, well-organized copy on deadline.

Are you collaborative? Us too; read on if this is starting to feel like a match.

US

The CCJ provides support and management of the largest single collection of local newspaper sites in the country. We place high priority on our people and their personal and professional growth. We value diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging in hiring, sourcing and all we do.

The CCJ focuses on unique and distinctive reporting on high-interest local topics including trending and breaking news; food, drink and culture; growth and development; government accountability; people-centered "sense of place" stories; and high school and Division I college sports.

Our CCJ sites endeavor to be the convening institutions in our communities. We strive to exist at the center of our readers’ lives – engaging, informing, entertaining, inspiring and empowering. Our culture is built around coaching, teaching and professional growth combined with a local-to-national news network of unrivaled scope. Put another way, we are a place where your career ambitions will have no boundaries.

Responsibilities:

Researches, reports, writes, and helps create compelling text and multimedia journalism about what matters to the community you cover.
Recognizes newsworthy events and trends and understands how to connect with our audience on multiple platforms.
Works with editors to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests on every platform.
Develops relationships with diverse sources including officials, residents and experts, to provide unique insights.
Makes it a mission to inform and engage readers through immediacy, enterprise reporting and riveting storytelling.
Acts as a public ambassador through social media, video presentations and some community outreach.
Collaborates with editors and audience team members to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e.: photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
Uses independent judgment in day-to-day activities; has demonstrated success in problem-solving.
Understands the standards and ethics around newsgathering and can execute most of its primary forms at a commendable level, including source interviews, use of public records, data analysis and primary and secondary source research.
Understands good storytelling and successfully develops ideas.
Can write news stories with minimal guidance.
Can execute special projects by working closely with editors.
Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
Travels quickly to wherever the news occurs or is being disseminated.

Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism, or equivalent in experience and education.
2-5 years journalism experience preferred, although entry-level candidates with strong intern experience urged to apply.
Core journalism skills (reporter, producing, editing).
Understanding of social media and how to engage audiences on digital platforms in public space.
Basic photo and video skills.
Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
Able to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
Expertise in writing, spelling and grammar.
Familiarity with AP style.
Flexibility to work some evenings and weekends.
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 post-offer, pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record 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.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $21.64 and $24.04.  Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable. ​