Children and Education reporter Job at USA TODAY Co., Inc. in Louisville

Children and Education reporter – USA TODAY Co., Inc.

Mount Washington, KY $16.00-$19.00

The Courier Journal, 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. The reporter will be part of a two‑person reporting team and will explore inequities through short‑ and long‑term reporting, explanatory, watchdog, and storytelling pieces that emphasize solutions. The beat is broader than K‑12 education and covers 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, arts education, internet access, teacher development and quality, safety – any issue that impacts Kentucky’s children and their futures. The reporter will cover day‑to‑day activity of the school board, district employees, and superintendent but will also spotlight trends, accountability, and enterprise stories. The ideal candidate can tailor storytelling to social, video and digital platforms, has a proven track record covering these issues, and provides a portfolio that demonstrates deep reporting and strong storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Researches, reports, writes and helps create compelling text and multimedia journalism that benefits families and the community. This includes profiling teachers, coaches, caretakers and policymakers and how they support children and young adults in the region and state.
• Reports on the protection of children, including violence (school, relationship, etc.), drugs, technology and mental health in collaboration with other reporters on the investigations and enterprise team.
• Informs and engages readers through breaking news, mobile‑friendly explainer stories, live chats and other non‑traditional story forms, as well as watchdog reporting and narratives. This requires answering from the outset how a story can deliver benefits to the target audience.
• Uses data, records and source development to provide deep and thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Acts as a public ambassador through community outreach and connects with influencers and engaged readers through social media.
• Is comfortable and enthusiastic about using multiple and appropriate social media channels to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Solicits community input, questions and concerns through online forms and organizes expert panels, community conversations and public forums to spark civic interest in children’s issues.
• Collaborates with other education reporters in the Midwest Region and network as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or 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 how to engage audiences on digital platforms in the public space.
• Deep understanding of and curiosity about the competition for our audience’s 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 can spot stories that matter.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline‑writing ability.
• Ability to multitask and excel under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This position involves an early start to the day and occasional weekend work.
• Experience engaging with 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, 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 that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3–6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

We are a proud equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, physical or mental disability, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or other classifications protected by applicable laws at the jurisdiction where Gannett employs employees. We provide applicants who require reasonable accommodation due to a disability or religion with assistance to complete this employment application.

Seniority level

• Not Applicable

Employment type

• Full‑time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Newspaper Publishing