News Reporter

Responsibilities

• Collect, verify and analyze thoroughly newsworthy information
• Assemble findings into a stable story
• Report and write stories for newspaper, special sections and website
• Receive assignments or investigate news leads/tips
• Abside by journalism’s ethics and codes
• Contact, interview and research sources
• Maintain notes, photos and audio recordings
• Cooperate with reporters, chief editor, producers etc
• Stay up-to-date with the latest current events in the “beat” by studying papers, attending events etc.
• Revise work to meet editorial approval or to fit time or space requirements
• Review written, audio, or video copy and correct errors in content, grammar, or punctuation and layout pages following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines
• Develop ideas or material for columns or commentaries by analyzing and interpreting news, current issues, or personal experiences
• Communicate with readers, viewers, advertisers, or the general public via mail, email, or telephone
• Write columns, editorials, commentaries, or reviews that interpret events or offer opinions

Qualifications

• Willing to relocate to the Jacksonville area
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field required, or other degree and related experience
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods
• This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media
• Knowledge and use of AP Style
• Knowledge in maintaining and driving a digital-first thinking in the newsroom to being able to study and determine trends based on analytics
• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to take photos for print and online use, as well as tone and prepare photos for publication
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

Skills

• Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process
• Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making
• Ability to take photos for print and online use, as well as tone and prepare photos for publication
• Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems
• Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things
• Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents
• Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience

Pay

A reasonable estimate, if hired in Illinois, is $31,200 per year. Final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.