Children and Education reporter Job at Gannett in Louisville

Company Overview

USA TODAY Co., Inc. 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 sustainable, growth-focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties throughout the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

Job Summary

The Courier Journal, courierjournal.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for a Children and Education reporter to cover the unprecedented challenges facing K‑12 education in Kentucky. This reporter will explore inequities through short‑term and longer‑term reporting, explanatory, watchdog, and storytelling pieces that emphasize solutions. The role is part of a two‑person reporting team.

The beat begins with K‑12 education but expands to include topics such as young families, the socio‑economic well‑being of kids, access to health care, drug abuse, obesity, food deserts, high‑achieving students, third‑grade reading achievement, dropout and graduation rates, rural issues, access to arts education, internet access, teacher development and quality, safety, and anything that impacts the well‑being of Kentucky’s children and their futures.

Coverage will involve day‑to‑day reporting on the school board, superintendent, and district employees while also spotlighting broader enterprise stories with a mobile‑first focus, providing accountability and trends.

An ideal candidate has a proven ability to tailor storytelling to social, video, and digital platforms with a strong portfolio of deep reporting and credible storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Research, report, write, and help create compelling text and multimedia journalism that informs families and the broader community about how teachers, coaches, caretakers, and policymakers are supporting children and young adults.
• Report on the protection of children, addressing issues such as violence, drugs, technology, and mental health, in collaboration with investigations and enterprise colleagues.
• Deliver breaking news, mobile‑friendly explainer stories, live chats, and other non‑traditional formats while ensuring each story benefits target audiences.
• Use data, records, and source development to provide deep analysis of complex issues.
• Serve as a public ambassador through community outreach and engage influencers and readers via social media.
• Utilize multiple social media channels to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Solicit community input through online forms, organize expert panels, community conversations, and public forums to spark civic interest in children’s issues.
• Collaborate with other education reporters in the Midwest Region and network as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or a related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of reporting experience at a news organization (preferred).
• Advanced knowledge of social media and customer feedback tools, including engaging audiences on digital platforms.
• Deep understanding of competition for audience time and money.
• Proficiency on social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit.
• Energetic self‑starter and fast thinker who spots stories that matter.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline‑writing ability.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
• Team‑player with strong collaborative skills.
• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar; familiarity with AP style.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Prepared for an early start and occasional weekend work.
• Experience engaging diverse communities and facilitating public conversations.
• Familiarity with education issues, public policy, or child welfare (preferred).

How to Apply

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, do not limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. Assemble the following items in a single PDF document and upload:

• Your resume (one to two pages).
• A cover letter outlining your approach to the job.
• Links to 3‑6 online samples of your work that best demonstrate your capabilities.

Compiling these items into a single document will ensure your application receives the highest consideration.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of 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, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. We provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with a disability or religious need. Applicants requiring accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.