Grant Funded Education Reporter (UNION)

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 and Newsquest in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses.

About the role

The Detroit Free Press seeks an enterprising reporter for a one-year grant-funded fellowship covering education in metro Detroit. This role is part of a significant expansion of education reporting across metro Detroit and Michigan. The reporter will focus on helping parents, lawmakers, and community leaders understand challenges in reading, math, attendance, and postsecondary education attainment. Responsibilities include taking readers inside classrooms, unpacking relevant data, covering newsworthy education events, and connecting trends affecting multiple school districts.

Responsibilities

• Report and write stories that help audiences understand education challenges and solutions.
• Unpack data to provide insights into education trends and issues.
• Cover newsworthy events and developments in local education.
• Create digital-first content, including video and social media storytelling.
• Engage with readers through on-camera interviews and explanations of issues.
• Use social media to enhance reporting and promote work.
• Analyze audience analytics, SEO, and engagement strategies to maximize impact.
• Work independently, build trust with stakeholders, and manage multiple deadlines.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-3 years of newsroom experience.
• Strong reporting, writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Experience creating digital-first content, including video and social media.
• Comfortable on camera conducting interviews and explaining issues.
• Strong copy editing and self-editing skills.
• Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote work.
• Understanding of audience analytics, SEO, and engagement strategies.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.