Top Story Reporter

Top Story Reporter

The El Paso Times/elpasotimes.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a digital-first enterprise and investigations Top story reporter who can balance daily issue coverage with quick turnaround analysis and explainer pieces. This reporter will produce in-depth enterprise stories that examines the impact of government policy and politics as well as investigative work with an emphasis on border and immigration issues.

This role is focused on top journalism to draw in audiences in El Paso, Borderland and across the U.S. We need an experienced reporter skilled in storytelling journalism who can report in English and Spanish.

We use this position to scramble to big breaking news in partnership with the Austin American-Statesman and the network. This role is critical to our newsroom goals of winning with big breaking news, trending reporting and comprehensive, in-depth coverage.

Applicants should have some expertise in acquiring and analyzing data and in obtaining exclusive information through filing public records requests. This reporter should be creative in their use of data and technology, constantly looking for new ways to tell stories.

We're looking for someone who can develop a deep network of sources, has a skill for storytelling across platforms and enjoys working with a team.

El Paso is a great place to be a top story journalist. Texas is a key state when it comes to politics, immigration, and the changing demographics in the United States. The border is important in key U.S.-Mexico relations.

Responsibilities:

• Handle daily assignments and provide daily coverage of key events and issues.

• Focus on top local, state, regional and national stories.

• Provide quick analysis that helps readers know "what the story really means."

• Work on enterprise, explainer and investigative stories.

• Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.

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

• Serve as a public ambassador for our brand through community outreach and connecting with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)

• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

• Work with content strategist/editor to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

• Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).

• Capture basic photos and video as needed.

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

• Embraces alternative story formats.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Journalism/newsroom experience is required; even better if you've covered a political beat or have previous congressional reporting experience.

• Advanced Excel, coding language and mapping skills are a must.

• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Reddit.

• Experience shooting and editing photos and producing video as needed on an iPhone and using live chats, social media and other digital tools to present news in novel ways.

• Ability to use metrics to understand what's resonating with readers and will shape coverage to steadily increase target audiences.

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

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

• Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure.

• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.

• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.

• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.

• Ideal candidate will possess knowledge of SEO, analytics, digital tools and production, and public records.

• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions

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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