Senior Breaking News Reporter
USA TODAY is looking for a digital-first Senior Breaking News Reporter focused on finding and reporting on the top news of the day and turning around enterprise stories that advance the news and deliver singular journalism.
Breaking News Reporters identify and report on timely stories of interest to our audiences using news judgment, as well as the latest trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate.
We want someone who can work calmly under tight deadlines, deliver scoops, write quickly, make a lot of phone calls, dig up documents, be creative, think about storytelling on different platforms and deliver sharp headlines. Someone willing to learn new skills is great.
They are also comfortable with live blogs, listicles, quick enterprise stories and excel at SEO. This person will work regularly with reporters and editors across the USA TODAY Network to identify national stories and publish them on USATODAY.com.
The ideal Breaking News Reporter is interested in a little bit of everything and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight.
This position is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii or based at our headquarters in McLean, VA. If you live near one of our local newsrooms, you may have the option to use that as a base of operations.
Job Level: National News Reporter III
Minimum salary: $72,000
Responsibilities
Identify and report on top national news stories of the day and monitor real-time news.
Write and report quickly and accurately, doggedly chasing down tips and trying to answer readers’ questions
Work with coworkers to deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, podcasts, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies.
Requirements
Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Minimum of 5 years' reporting/newsroom experience.
Able to file quickly and accurately
Strong command of AP grammar and style.
Passionate and enthusiastic about viral news, breaking news and important topics of the day
Comfortable in fluid, fast-moving, intense situations.
Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
Collaborate well with others and can work with a team – including teammates and colleagues who are mostly remote.
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 pre-employment, post-offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.