State Government Reporter

The Lansing State Journal/lansingstatejournal.com, part oftheUSA TODAY NETWORK, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover state government without bogging down in day-to-day politics covered by AP and others.

We cover the state as an employer of thousands of mid-Michigan residents, as an anchor industry that shapes our downtown and, occasionally, as an epicenter of protest that impacts the city.

The lifeblood of this reporter, though, is an ability to find the people impacted by state policies and tell their stories in ways that engage and enlighten our audience.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, ability to analyze data, and will shape stories around the impact on communities rather than political actors.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Our reporters use social media and LSJ events to connect with audiences and engage with the community.

The Lansing State Journal serves Michigan's dynamic state capital market. Large employers include Michigan State University, two General Motors assembly plants, and large health care and insurance sectors. Entertainment includes Big Ten sports, MSU's Wharton Center and abundant city, county and state parks including two at Lake Lansing. The area is also within easy distance of Detroit, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lake Michigan's beautiful beaches.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.

• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.

• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)

• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues

• Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

• Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.

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

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

• Performs other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least three years of daily journalism experience.

• Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to enhance your work with video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.

• Understanding of social media and its uses.

• Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on feedback from data.

• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.

• Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.

• This job includes some evening and weekend work.

• 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.

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 3-5 online samples of your work.

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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