Reporter

About the role

Join our dynamic news team in beautiful Santa Cruz County! As a General Assignment Reporter, you'll play a vital role in covering a wide range of compelling stories, from major court cases and breaking news to the unique issues that shape our community. This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated journalist to make a real impact in a vibrant and supportive environment. The Santa Cruz Sentinel, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is more than just a newspaper; it's a daily connection to the heart of Santa Cruz County. We deliver in-depth coverage of local news, events, and issues that matter most to our community. From the latest happenings in Santa Cruz to insightful reporting on state and national news, the Sentinel keeps you informed and engaged. Plus, explore our vibrant sections on sports, business, politics, lifestyle, and entertainment for a complete picture of life in Santa Cruz County. “4x Built In Best Places to Work Winner - 2023-2026”

Responsibilities

• Craft and deliver an average of two engaging written stories per day
• Proactively generate original story ideas and contribute to editorial planning
• Create clear, concise, and engaging news articles
• Independently develop and pitch original story ideas
• Cover breaking news, including local crime and emergencies
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key sources
• Travel within Santa Cruz County for assignments
• Collaborate effectively with a close-knit team

Requirements

• Excellent collaboration skills and the ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment
• Competence in English language and AP Style
• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent professional experience
• Experience working for a daily newspaper is highly preferred
• Understanding of SEO and WordPress is a plus

Benefits

The hourly range is $23.00 - $25.50 + cell phone stipend. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility).