Reporter - Publication

Madison, South Dakota, United States – Full Time – Remote/Telecommute position

About the role

The Madison Leader is hiring a reporter to cover both sports and news for digital platforms and the weekly print edition. This position will work in conjunction with Forum Communications media outlets across South Dakota, including Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Pierre, and Rapid City. Madison is a thriving community in southeast South Dakota's lake country, close to Sioux Falls and Brookings, and home to Dakota State University.

Responsibilities

• Research and craft compelling stories that adhere to editorial and AP style standards for publication across both print and digital platforms, following leads and responding quickly to breaking news.
• Find, research, and tell stories tailored to the editor’s needs and target audience.
• Stay up to date on local politics, public safety, education topics, community events, and more.
• Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships as a trusted source of information.
• Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
• Display sound editorial judgment, including a thorough understanding and application of the law, relevant codes of practice, and ethical principles.
• Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content, developing unique story ideas around key categories that drive digital memberships and reader engagement.
• Collaborate with digital teams and use available tools and technology to gain insight into story metrics, determining new ways to create and present content online.
• Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations.
• Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred.
• Strong commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail using a Web-based content management system.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Environment and Physical Demands

• Prolonged periods of time sitting and working on a computer in an office environment.
• Standing and walking on an occasional basis.
• Ability to talk and hear over the phone, in person, or via online meeting platforms.
• Repeating motions that may require wrist, hands, and fingers.
• Reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch, and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.