Arts and Culture Reporter Job at Statesman Journal / Gannett in Milwaukee

Overview

Arts and Culture Reporter The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is seeking a dynamic, culturally fluent and digitally savvy reporter to lead our coverage of Milwaukee’s vibrant and evolving arts and culture scene. This position is designed to elevate the voices of local creatives, explore the intersection of art and social justice, and connect our diverse communities through storytelling that informs, inspires and engages.

That means writing about and interacting with everyone from major institutions to up-and-coming artists. It might mean writing about a new exhibit at a major museum one day, penning a commentary on a news event the next, and hosting an artist chat at a local gallery on another. This position is part of a two-year pilot project that has unprecedented grant support from major foundations. To launch this project we need a journalist who relishes the opportunity to innovate and experiment. This is a unique opportunity to shape a new beat that reflects Milwaukee’s creative spirit and cultural complexity. You’ll be part of a newsroom committed to impactful journalism and community connection.

If you don’t have every skill listed, please don’t rule yourself out – let’s talk about whether you would be the right fit.

Responsibilities

• Arts and Culture Coverage: Report on Milwaukee’s arts ecosystem, including major institutions like the Milwaukee Art Museum, but with a particular focus on grassroots galleries, performance spaces and public art installations.
• Social Justice Lens: Examine how visual and performing arts intersect with issues of equity, identity and community empowerment.
• Story Development: Pitch and produce compelling enterprise and feature stories that highlight underrepresented artists and cultural movements. We are looking for someone who views no story as too big or too small.
• Multimedia Storytelling: Use photography, video and social media to enhance storytelling and reach audiences across platforms.
• Community Engagement: Serve as a public ambassador for the Journal Sentinel, building relationships with artists, organizations, and readers through events, social media and outreach.
• Collaboration: Work closely with editors and fellow reporters – on the features team and across the newsroom — to ensure comprehensive and inclusive coverage of the area arts scene.
• Reach: Produce high-impact coverage that reaches people in and outside of Milwaukee’s arts community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience covering the arts, culture or social justice.
• Strong writing, reporting and interviewing skills with a keen eye for detail and narrative.
• Proficiency in digital tools and platforms including social media, mobile photography/video and content management systems.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced newsroom.
• Deep curiosity about Milwaukee’s cultural landscape and a commitment to inclusive storytelling.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

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:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter outlining how you would approach the position and what you hope to gain from the experience.
• Links to no more than three published stories, writing samples.

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 (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), 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. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual’s application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

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Additional

• Seniority level: Entry level
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing
• Industries: Online Audio and Video Media

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