Reporter

Reporting to the Editor, reporters execute stories that break new ground in service to our community. Reporters find and analyze data in pursuit of great stories, closely follow evolving policies, and dig deep to hold government and institutions accountable. Reporters seek out everyday people and advocacy groups and explore their challenges and experiences with systems. Reporters are writers who can craft narratives that weave human experience with policy and data. As a Reporter, you will join a team of committed professionals with the goal of creating a sustainable, non-profit news organization that engages the public, collaborates with other media, and produces the highest level of accountability and solutions-driven journalism in Kansas and Missouri.

Key Responsibilities

Investigate, report and write longform, shorter-turn stories and helpful guides about local and regional issues with the audience in mind
As assigned, develop and serve a dedicated beat and investigate new leads and tips
Find and analyze data to uncover unique insights and put them into context
Contact, interview and research sources
Maintain notes and audio recordings
Build broad and diverse relationships so that sources, story ideas, research and writing reflect the many communities living in Kansas City and Wichita
Take on visual and multimedia aspects of stories such as creating graphics and other visuals, planning, scheduling and selecting photographs, and writing social media copy
Promote your reporting and increase The Beacon’s visibility in the community through activities such as public events, speaking engagements, radio and podcast appearances, and live video.
Use sources, story ideas, research and writing that reflects Kansas City and/or Wichita’s diversity and the difference in lived experiences
Abide by journalism’s ethics and codes
Contribute data needed for key performance indicators (KPIs)
Ensure actions fully embody core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and incorporate DEIB best practices
Participate in a culture of collaboration, quality, innovation, data-driven decision-making and intelligent use of resources
Contribute to other news products including, for example, social media, audio stories, printed projects and text message campaigns
Other related duties, as assigned

Qualifications

Qualifications and Education Requirements

Professional reporting training and/or experience preferred
Demonstrable writing skill with ability to report complex issues with simplified, accessible language
Strong interpersonal and communication skills - written and verbal
Computer proficiency (Google Suite, digital editing, web search, databases, public records)
Passion for local accountability journalism and independent media
Highly organized with excellent time and project management skills
Resourceful, proactive, self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
Trustworthy, organized, results-driven, self-starter, inclusive, transparent and collaborative
Comfortable within a highly flexible, entrepreneurial culture; comfort working under deadlines and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment with colleagues in geographically dispersed locations

Other valuable experience and skills

Bilingual skills and cross-cultural competence, or experience in a marginalized community
Experience with Freedom of Information Act requests
Additional skills we're looking for: Data reporting and data visualization, audio journalism, broadcast and photography