Gannett

The Cape Cod Times, part of Gannett Inc. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a reporter who can own the breaking and trending news beat, which includes criminal justice and courts reporting in our news-rich region. You don't need to know everything about the police and courts, but a willingness to dig in deep is just as important. In this assignment, the reporter can cover anything and everything related to breaking news, what people on the Cape and Islands are talking about and general assignments that are important to people on Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket. In addition to daily coverage, the reporter will track trends and write impactful enterprise stories about general topics, courts and law enforcement. 

Are you a storyteller, adept at using social media? Hope so, because once people realize you are the one who knows what’s going on, they’ll follow you religiously on social media. Eager to tell stories in innovative ways? We’re game if you can find ways to help new audiences find us on different platforms. Are you itching to take on this beat? Think you have what it takes to be the go-to person in this news-rich area? If you’re already excited, you’re halfway there. 

Cape Cod and the Islands will be your domain; the potential stories are endless. It’s also a highly competitive – and fastest growing by population – area where there’s room for the Times to grow its audience, so you’ll be a big part of the newsroom’s lofty goals. Cape Cod is home to more than 220,000 people in a beautiful seaside environment that offers access to many outdoor activities – on land and water. The Cape, located about an hour south of Boston, has a vibrant creative economy from music to theater and craftspeople to writers. And the Cape is home to some of the most highly regarded scientific research institutions in the world. The Times is an award-winning news organization that hits above its weight.

Job Details 

We are looking for a reporter who wants to work with editors to pinpoint what our audience wants to know, what they need to know and what’s trending. And we are looking for a storyteller who can convey the human consequences of what’s happening in breaking news situations, law enforcement and courts from a data, financial, social, cultural and solutions perspective. The potential stories are endless. 

Typical Job Duties: 

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise. 
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues. 
• Collaborates with the content team to provide all appropriate story elements (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and videos as needed. 
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand. 
• Explores and reports on the widest range of police and court news and trends, connecting with our audience’s passion. 
• Content strategies include print, branded digital platforms, traditional and emerging social media, events, apps, and contributed and expert content curation. 
• Places a high priority on data analysis to identify trends that would otherwise go unreported. 
• Demonstrates clear concise writing skills with strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” content. 
• Requires the development of outstanding research skills and extensive contacts that can break news. 
• Uses independent judgment in day-to-day activities; demonstrated success in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Receives instructions on routine work, and detailed instructions on new projects and assignments. 
• Researches, reports, and writes news articles for publication. 
• Recognizes newsworthy events and trends and understands how to connect with our audience on multiple platforms. 
• Understands the standards and ethics around newsgathering and can execute most of its primary forms at a commendable level, including source interviews, use of public records, data analysis and primary and secondary source research. 
• Has developed enough topical knowledge to provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Understands good storytelling and successfully develops ideas. 
• Can write news stories and more complex enterprise pieces with minimal guidance. Can execute on special projects by working closely with editors. 

Knowledge and Skills: 

• Strong ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready." 
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to enhance reporting and promote stories. 
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing. 
• Knowledge of AP grammar and style. 
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission. 
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories. 

Required Work Experience, Training, and Education:

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of 3 years of reporting/newsroom experience. 
• Must be willing to travel on short notice, to cover breaking news events. 
• Work weekends and nights when there is major breaking news. 
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law. 

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:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. 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.

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