Public Safety, Criminal Justice and Breaking News Reporter

The Las Cruces Sun-News/lcsun-news.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is searching for an aggressive, digital-savvy reporter to cover public safety, criminal justice and breaking news stories in Las Cruces, New Mexico.

This position demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential.

Our selected candidate produces smart, context-filled stories and quick-turn enterprise on tight deadlines while also pursuing meaningful reporting that focuses on presenting solutions. You’ll spend a typical work day doing everything from court hearings to community gatherings to stories that bubble up in the community online and offline to reach and engage our audience.

Experience with public records requests, deciphering agendas, maps, site plans and contracts and working with databases is preferred. This role will fit your style if you’re the kind of journalist who’s always thinking of the next story – who has a pipeline of ideas and is eager to collaborate on sharpening and pursuing them. 

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 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.
Knowledge of data-based reporting and use of spreadsheets such as Excel is a plus.
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. 

Life in Las Cruces

Las Cruces is the county seat of Doña Ana County in southern New Mexico, less than an hour away from the U.S.-Mexico border. The area, with its spectacular sunset views, has become increasingly popular for film and television production. It is home to New Mexico State University and is known for its cultural events and many festivals, such as the Las Cruces International Film Festival.

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.