Local Government/Political Reporter

Southeast Missourian seeks digital journalist with focus on local government/political reporting

The Southeast Missourian seeks a digital journalist interested in covering political campaigns, complex government operations, some courts and crime news, and those delicate stories that pop up on a regular basis.

In addition to longer analysis, the individual must be able to craft stories on the fly for an online news cycle. The position is responsible for basic photography while working with staff photographers on more nuanced art. Based in the vibrant town of Cape Girardeau, Missouri, the individual hired will need to reside within 30 miles of the newspaper’s downtown office.

The Southeast Missourian team includes a mix of veteran and young reporters and an aggressive news, photo and sports staff. It has been recognized several times as one of the best newspapers in the nation for its circulation category (under 50,000).

The ideal candidate will have:

1-3 years of journalism experience (could include significant college newspaper experience)
Ability to create on-deadline textual and visual content for print and digital products
The ability to work effectively in a team
A commitment to listening to and engaging audiences
A desire to have fun and enjoy life with colleagues while working in a noble profession that is vital to our community

This family-owned company encourages innovation and collaboration throughout the organization and values quality journalism. Additionally, we publish several magazines that cover a variety of topics with longer form storytelling. The Rust Communications events division produces dozens of first-class experiences ranging from a high school sports awards show to a two-day music festival. The company operates an award-winning marketing agency.

The Southeast Missourian covers a metro area anchored by Cape Girardeau, which is a thriving community with four hospitals, a university, and a bustling downtown district on the riverfront of the Mississippi.

Applicants should submit a resume and cover letter describing why they would be a fit for the position. Applications should be submitted to editor Rick Fahr at rfahr@semissourian.com.

“The reporter position at the Southeast Missourian gave me a fast-paced, creative environment that allowed me to work both independently and collaboratively with others in the office. Beat assignments provided me with structure and purpose and gave me an avenue to write important stories and build my rapport with crucial sources. I was also able to pitch my own story ideas, giving me control and freedom to produce content that I found entertaining, informative and engaging.”

— Nathan English, recent government reporter for the Southeast Missourian

Mission Statement: We are intensely focused on making our communities better through responsible journalism and community engagement. Everything we do should be measured by the test of truth and grace.

Salary: $34,000 to $40,000, depending on experience