Business Reporter

The Modesto Bee is looking for an ambitious, creative reporter who understands small business and its impact on a community, and can explain its meaning to an ever-growing and increasingly diverse audience in Modesto, Calif.

The ideal candidate will have an understanding of how business works, although we don’t aim to tell traditional business stories. We are looking for stories about small businesses, restaurants and people making a difference or trying something new in the business world, as well as trends that show how the local business community is changing. We want to tell readers about businesses opening and closing, as well as the diversity of businesses in the region.

The position will demand a keen eye for sharp news angles, strong source building and a proven track record for finding scoops and producing revelatory, high-impact journalism.

Our newsroom is nimble and collaborative, and the successful candidate will have the opportunity to learn from their colleagues as well as hone their skills using social media.

Having the skills to build audience loyalty, engagement and growth — by understanding the metrics that drive them — is a must.

If you have a passion for this topic but don’t meet 100 percent of the requirements, please apply. Don’t be afraid to highlight other skills you bring to the table in a cover letter. The successful candidate should meet many, though not necessarily all, of the following requirements.

What you'll bring:

Strong writing skills and excellent news judgment.

An unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism.

Ability to acquire and analyze data.

Experience using social media platforms to reach and engage with audiences.

Desire to collaborate with other reporters and pitch in where needed.

Fluency in the science of readership and engagement, including an understanding of SEO and how to use analytics such as page views, time on site and referral sources to help determine which stories resonate with which audiences

Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.

Ability to post breaking news stories on our website and social platforms, quickly followed by updates that add more detail and context.

Time management skills to make room for urgent dailies, revelatory enterprise, watchdog journalism and narrative storytelling.

Strength in cultivating diverse sources who will help you break news and add perspective to coverage

Minimum requirements:

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
At least two years of full-time reporting experience.