Growth & Development Reporter
The Desert Sun/desertsun.comin Palm Springs, California, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a business reporter to cover growth and development in the Coachella Valley, a dynamic and buzzy oasis in the California desert.
This fast-growing area of Southern California is bursting with amazing stories to chase or conceive. We are looking for a journalist who is comfortable with quick-hit breaking news and ambitious enterprise projects to cover how our region is growing and expanding and how it affects our readers’ lives.
You jump at the chance to write about an eye-popping estate that just hit the market, but also relish the opportunity to report a big-picture real estate trend story that speaks to the affordable housing crisis in California. You can track long-term commercial and housing projects, with a keen sense of when our readers are hungry for updates, no matter how incremental, and when it is time to take a step back and craft an enterprise piece that chronicles the timeline and economic forces at play in the development process.
You also understand that human side of the business community, and can craft compelling profiles of the movers and shakers who have a part in shaping daily life in the desert. Although your first task is to serve the local community, we want someone who will strive to use this local beat as a launching pad for stories with statewide or national impact.
This job is well suited for a reporter who can think critically and creatively and write with clarity and impact on complex issues. We will expect you to break important news and develop stories that engage our audiences on multiple platforms.
You must build trust with sources and have an eye for important details buried in local government agendas, budgets and public records. You should have work samples that demonstrate an aptitude for data-driven stories and familiarity with FOIA requests, and a track record of producing compelling, timely, well-sourced stories. We expect that you can recognize compelling, socially shareable stories and that you will be quick to jump on them.
In addition, we will ask you to connect with the community not just via social media, but on camera, and through community forums and events.
Responsibilities:
Breaks news of high value to residents.
Develops deep sources in cities of responsibility.
Writes breaking news, features and analytical stories.
Writes articles that accurately inform, entertain and engage specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Works with content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Requirements:
Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Two to five years of reporting experience. Experience with datasets and/or retrieving public records through the FOIA process.
Work samples that demonstrate storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
Proven experience producing accurate reports under deadline pressure, in a style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.
Proficiency on social media platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.
Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
Ability to shoot basic photos and videos in a breaking news situation.
Strong news judgement and ability to multitask.
Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
This job requires regular evening and weekend work.
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 and drug screen (for all driving roles only).
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:
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.
The hourly rate for this role will range between $15.50 and $29.30. 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.