News Reporter/ Digital Content Writer

Townsquare Media is looking for the next News Reporter for KPQ. Candidate must have a passion for and understanding of timely, multi-platform distribution of hyperlocal news content. He or she will be able to lead a team of reporters and deliver strong news content in a breaking news environment, and pivot to highly shareable, engaging material with a unique voice — always focused on the local area.

KPQ is nearing the centennial of our founding in 2029 but joining our team at the legacy news outlet comes with the added benefit of living and recreating in a beautiful region of the Northwest. We are blessed with four seasons and while we work hard, we play hard in North Central Washington.

Responsibilities

The ideal candidate will live and breathe community journalism and possess strong news judgment and the ability to thrive in a deadline-intensive environment.
The person filling this role should understand what makes content on the web sticky, conversation-starting and good for SEO.
Strong writing and reporting skills are essential; multimedia skills are highly valued.
The ideal candidate will have a knack for writing social media copy that engages an audience. He or she understands that the work doesn’t stop after hitting publish on an article—effective content marketing through clever social teases and gripping newsletter subject lines builds an audience.
The News Director will coach and assign 1-3 articles/stories a day to each reporter.
Develop content ideas for the community based on news value, audience demand and search data
Write 1-3 articles per day, including breaking news, police and fire coverage, business news, features, aggregation and curated pieces of user-generated content generate clever, insightful material in non-traditional story forms (think Buzzfeed), with a strong, relatable voice.

Qualifications

1-3 years’ experience in a news organization, with digital newsroom experience preferred
Understand what makes online content conversation-starting and good for SEO
Strong writing and reporting skills with knowledge of AP style and the SPJ code of ethics
Ability to focus under pressure
Capacity for managing multiple tasks at once
Great communication skills and attention to detail are a requirement
Experience working with WordPress, HTML, Excel, Access and video

Benefits

3 weeks of PTO (+ 9 paid holidays)
Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
401(k) Retirement Plan
Casual, high-energy work environment
Opportunity for upward mobility
Company provided laptop
Competitive salary + bonus program
Company discounts
Pet Insurance
Time off for volunteering
And much more…