Statewide Trending Reporter

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.

About the role

The Statesman Journal/statesmanjournal.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a versatile and nimble reporter to cover statewide trending topics in Oregon. This position is based in our Salem office, located between the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges in the Mid-Willamette Valley—about one hour south of Portland, one hour north of Eugene, and an hour west of the Oregon Coast.

Responsibilities

• Publish two to three stories on trending topics each day.
• Identify trending news to create timely, relevant stories that spark conversation and join existing conversations.
• Monitor social media, Google Trends, and historically popular topics through Parse.ly to determine how best to capture a wide audience.
• Track performance metrics to understand what resonates with our audience and inform future coverage.
• Follow SEO and platform best practices to optimize reach and impact.
• Be flexible and willing to shift priorities quickly as news develops.
• Produce quick-hit multimedia trending stories, including video explainers, to engage audiences.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in journalism with a strong foundation in news writing and reporting.
• Ability to shoot and edit videos and stills.
• Mastery of SEO and social media and using it to promote your work and interact with readers.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, sources, and the community.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.