New York Connect Team consumer/trending news reporter

Reporter

This reporter is part of the New York Connect Team serving the USA TODAY Network, focusing on consumer news, trending news and service journalism.
The reporter will seek out stories that are of interest to our audiences using the latest in trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate. In evaluating the possibility of pursuing consumer news in New York state communities, this reporter will assess the likely degree of public interest and public or personal impact of that consumer news.
A great Connect reporter is interested in a little bit of everything, can report on a variety of topics and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. This person should be creative, write in a conversational style and deliver sharp headlines.
The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories on a daily basis with aplomb, all the while staying focused on the digital details of story production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets and other points of optimization.
The content this team creates may be used across all of USA TODAY Co.'s sites and publications in New York state and often at sites elsewhere up to and including USA Today. The person in this position needs to be able to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time.
Responsibilities:
Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news, via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.
Monitor real-time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences.
Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis.
Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies. This includes being adept at SEO.
Identify top trending stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential, specific to attracting search and social audiences.
Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms. This includes experimenting with long-tail (evergreen) content.
Requirements:
Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, at least two years' experience in journalism or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Experience using social media accounts to identify stories a plus.
Experience creating visual news graphics optimized for social a plus.
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 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.
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.
The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28 and $37.94. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.
USA TODAY 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 USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY 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 individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.