Henderson County Reporter

The Hendersonville Times-News/blueridgenow.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking a self-motivated, digital-first Henderson County Reporter eager to write impactful, solution-oriented stories that will help to make our communities stronger.

The Hendersonville Times-News is a daily newspaper covering the city of Hendersonville and surrounding Henderson County in the scenic Blue Ridge Mountains of Western North Carolina.

The reporter will cover life in Henderson County, from breaking news to city and county government to education and health care, as well as the popular food and restaurant scene.

This reporter will be expected to write both quick turn stories with breaking news, as well as more in-depth enterprise stories, be able to take photos.

We need a reporter who strives to hold those in power accountable, to ask the hard questions and doesn't settle for limits set by government PIOs or canned statements in press releases.

The reporter must seek to include a wide range of viewpoints, including a diversity of ages, genders, races, religion, physical and mental abilities and religions.

Hendersonville, a city of about 15,000, is a half-hour drive south of Asheville. It has a vibrant downtown with museums, shopping and wide variety of restaurants. The county is also home to wineries, Sierra Nevada and other breweries as well as many outdoor recreation hotspots including DuPont State Recreational Forest.

Responsibilities:

• Work toward becoming the community's leading voice in local news.

• Connect with the community through storytelling.

• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

• Work with a content coach and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.

• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• College degree in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom.

• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.

• Proficiency on social media platforms and experience engaging readers in this public space.

• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.

• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under deadline pressure.

• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.

• 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.

• Pre-employment background check and urinalysis drug screen required.

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:

1.Your resume - one to two pages.

2.A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3.Links to 3-6 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.

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