Watchdog & Storytelling Reporter
The MetroWest Daily News (metrowestdailynews.com) is looking for a reporter passionate about watchdog journalism and storytelling.
The Daily News, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a reporter to tell the stories for the people of Framingham and surrounding communities, not just write about them. This may mean watchdog and investigative reporting or powerful storytelling that is informative, moving, enlightening and original, something our readers can’t get anywhere else.
With approximately 72,000 residents, Framingham is the 14th-largest city in Massachusetts – residents voted five years ago to adopt a charter transitioning from a town to a city, with the transition taking effect Jan. 1, 2018.
Framingham is known for the Framingham Heart Study, which started in 1948 with more than 5,000 residents and is now on its third generation. It is also home to Shoppers World, which opened in 1951 and is one of the first suburban shopping malls in the country. Together with the adjacent Natick Mall, are major components of the so-called Golden Triangle shopping district between Route 9 and Cochituate Road.
Job Details
This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news, staying ahead of the competition on daily and enterprise work. Source development will be critical, cultivating contacts among local residents and officials. This reporter must identify, produce, and post stories, photos, and video across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
Typical Job Duties
· Exercises individual judgment within standard practices and procedures; can resolve moderately complex problems as they occur.
· Deals with issues that require review of a variety of factors.
· Researches, reports, and writes news articles for publication.
· Recognizes newsworthy events and trends and understands how to connect with our audience on multiple platforms.
· Understands the standards and ethics around newsgathering and can competently execute most of its primary forms, including source interviews, use of public records, data analysis and primary and secondary source research.
· Can write news stories on deadline with little guidance and basic enterprise pieces with routine guidance from editors.
· Collaborates well and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
· Able to work occasional late nights as needed by the news cycle.
Knowledge and Skills
· Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
· Adept at taking photos and video
· An ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
· Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
· Comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
· Self-motivation and self-direction.
· Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
Required Work Experience, Training, and Education
· Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. We will also consider candidates with strong internships.
· 1-3 years’ professional reporting/newsroom experience preferred.
· This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
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:
1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. 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.