Digital Reporter Job at Beaumont Enterprise in Beaumont

Overview

Digital Reporter

Work Location: Beaumont, TX, Laredo, TX, Midland, TX, or Plainview, TX

Hybrid

This position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It requires strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential across a variety of small community markets. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. The person in this role can juggle a high volume of stories across multiple markets daily, while focusing on the digital details of story production: Headlines, SEO, multi-media assets and other optimization points. The individual must be able to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time and be comfortable with being edited by peers, contributing to peer editing.

Responsibilities

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on what's trending in local markets
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, social media, or other methods to reach new audiences
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential
• Jump on breaking news for assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally
• Work with local and regional editors and the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas with depth and variety
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information quickly
• Pitch and create alternative content forms, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines
• Collaborate with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary

Competencies / Critical Skills

• Solid news judgment and understanding of the local market; awareness of media standards around fair use and accurate content citations
• Proficient writer, fact-checker, and familiar with AP Style
• Understand web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth; knowledge of analytics and CMS tools (e.g., Chartbeat, Google Analytics)
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends

Measures of Success

• Deliver stories quickly, accurately and at a consistent pace
• Meet daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth (story visits, subscriber traffic)
• Grow social media presence and regularly promote links to stories
• Collaborate effectively with digital and newsroom staff

Experience, Qualifications, Technical Requirements, Education

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field required
• Understanding of audience engagement metrics preferred
• News writing experience and familiarity with AP style required

Benefits

• Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
• Competitive retirement plan with matching
• Generous Paid Time Off, holidays and vacation
• Paid Parental Leave
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement
• Mental health and emotional wellbeing benefits
• Inclusive health services
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits
• And more benefits and details

About Hearst Newspapers

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, plus top digital sites and services. We invest in new and innovative ways to tell stories and support millions of readers each month.

Be part of something bigger – Your Headline Awaits

Senioriy level

• Entry level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Newspaper Publishing