Service Journalism Reporter Job at McClatchy Media in Boise

Talent Acquisition Manager @ McClatchy Media

McClatchy Media is seeking an audience-focused journalist to join the award-winning Idaho Statesman newsroom as a service journalism reporter. The reporter will be based in the Statesman newsroom in Boise, a capital city in the Pacific Northwest, joining a reporting group that is fun, team-oriented and always looking for new ways to reach readers and tell the unique stories of the region.

The service journalism reporter, part of a regional Pacific NW team, is focused on utility journalism with a mission to help local readers navigate day-to-day life. Service journalists use an accessible approach to write explainers, Q&As and fact checks, and to answer questions locally trending online. Reporters in this role also contribute to local and regional news and breaking news coverage.

The reporter in this position will write frequently – they will welcome daily assignments as well as cultivate and pitch their own ideas, finding stories and questions in every corner of the community, online and in person. Service journalists dig into city curiosities as well as “talkers” on sites including Nextdoor and Reddit.

An enthusiasm for working in a team-centered environment that emphasizes support and occasional shared bylines is essential. A willingness to learn audience development skills, such as digital headline writing and Google Trends, is a must.

Expertise in a particular subject area is not required, but the successful candidate will bring to the role areas of interest and a deep understanding of what’s important to local readers, preferably earned by working as part of a local news outlet. The ideal candidate will also have an excellent gauge of digital storytelling and the ability to work under the pressure of quick, daily deadlines.

McClatchy Media’s journalists are expected to take advantage of opportunities to ethically harness and leverage AI and other automation to enhance and elevate their work and to find efficiencies that free them to focus on source-building and high-quality, deeply reported journalism.

Responsibilities

• Live within 35 miles of Boise City Hall.
• Pitch stories that are off the beaten track and will resonate with many readers across our region.
• Report and write stories quickly in user-friendly formats.
• Find questions the community is asking and figure out the answers.
• Collaborate with other journalists from across the newsroom on major news events and local happenings.
• Demonstrate versatility, initiative and SEO savvy.
• Work in a team environment, both virtually and in person.

Requirements

• 1-3 years of reporting or writing experience.
• A college degree or work equivalent.
• Strong reporting and writing skills, as well as a demonstrated ability to see the story that is going to matter to readers.
• Flexibility and speed in writing to respond to evolving news events and user needs.
• Excellent news judgment and journalism ethics.
• A passion for utility journalism that helps readers in their daily lives.
• A track record of community engagement and audience-centered reporting.
• Willingness to do some multimedia storytelling, including recording vertical video.
• Familiarity with Google Trends, social media platforms, public records requests and data.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Familiarity with measuring and tracking success using metrics and analytics.
• A willingness to cover a variety of topics.
• A track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.
• Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).

What We Offer

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals.

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, 3-6 work samples for full consideration. References may be requested.