Gannett Co., Inc. is hiring: Buncombe County/Education/Social Issues Reporter in

Buncombe County/Education/Social Issues Reporter

Asheville, NC, USA

Job Description

Gannett Co., Inc. (NYSE: GCI) is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a scalable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Our current portfolio of trusted media brands includes the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations in the United States. The Citizen Times/citizen-times.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a reporter eager to dig deep into a watchdog reporter role covering Buncombe County – home to Asheville and the largest in Western North Carolina.

We are seeking a veteran reporter, preferably with knowledge of Western North Carolina, to write impactful, solution-oriented stories that will hold those in power accountable, with an emphasis on the forces in play around recent natural disasters, including the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene, which caused widespread devastation.

The ideal candidate will have advanced reporting, writing, court document research, datamining, and analysis skills. The reporter will be able to write quick-turn stories as well as more in-depth enterprise work that seeks to represent the vast array of viewpoints in our communities, especially the underserved and underrepresented.

Responsibilities:

• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Produce journalism that leads to change.
• Connect with the community through storytelling, social media, public forums, and other outreach.
• Routinely incorporate photos, video, and graphics into stories.
• Monitor metrics to better engage audiences.
• Work with editors and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom.
• Strong communication, news judgment, and writing skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
• Proficiency on social media platforms.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• 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.

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.

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.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees.