News Reporter

The Hutchinson News (Kansas) , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital-first general assignment reporter to produce enterprise and watchdog work focusing on issues and trends affecting the city of Hutchinson and the surrounding region.

This is a broad-based news beat, encompassing city and county government, schools, businesses and breaking news.

The reporter will monitor the workings of government but will focus on developing impactful enterprise relevant to readers’ lives.

This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news and to post stories, photos and video quickly and accurately across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.

Source development is critical to the beat. This reporter will cultivate relationships with local officials, business leaders and community stakeholders to break stories.

Hutchinson, with a population of about 40,000, is the county seat and the largest city in Reno County. It is less than an hour outside of Wichita, Kansas. This job offers a great opportunity to report and write on a wide variety of topics and become ingrained in a community or it can be a steppingstone to other reporting jobs in the USA TODAY Network.

Responsibilities

Use metrics and analytics to determine how to best reach and grow the audience.
Increase digital audience and engagement and grow digital subscriptions.
Be courageous about experimentation.
Be a team player who likes to collaborate regional teams within the USA TODAY NETWORK.
Apply innovative, creative thinking to support the company’s goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
One year of experience in professional journalism writing and reporting or substantial internship or fellowship experience.
Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
Solid news judgment.
Self-motivation and self-direction.
Top-notch planning, organizational and time management skills.
Ability to multi-task and excel under intense deadline pressure in a rapidly changing environment.
Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
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, motor vehicle record check & urinalysis drug screen.

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 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.