Education Reporter
Req #24155
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Education Reporter
Are you passionate about education and able to write about education in a way that can engage, entertain and inform audiences?
The Stockton Record/recordnet.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is searching for a digital-savvy reporter to cover education in San Joaquin County.
This is position is funded through a one-year grant from the J.B. McClatchy Foundation.
With more than 40,000 students, Stockton Unified School District is the largest in San Joaquin County. Yet, it has been a troubled district that has seen three superintendents in less than three years and a county civil grand jury releasing a scathing report about problems it identified within the district. It is one of several school districts within San Joaquin County.
Stockton is also home to University of the Pacific, which includes astronaut Jose Hernandez and jazz musician Dave Brubeck among its alumni. And San Joaquin Delta College, one of California’s community colleges that provide a gateway to higher education.
We are looking for someone to tell the stories from the perspective of our audience – parents and other residents with an interest in the educational system and who want to understand and see that system grow.
You'll use shoe leather journalism and modern-day tools such as databases and social media. We’re looking for someone who can work the beat, cultivate sources and serve readers as a friendly, informative insider voice – the first to know and first to share.
Responsibilities:
- Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news, via stories, video, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our California audience
- Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies.
- Identifies top news stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential.
- Cultivates a beat, knowing the ins/outs of the beat and its key players. Has a genuine interest in people and ability to build trust.
- Equally adept at writing breaking news stories, enterprise and trending stories and traditional long-form features.
- Writes and/or produces multimedia content that appeals to key audience targets and maximizes user experience on digital and social platforms to reach readers where they spend their time and attention.
- Provide cogent analysis of trends and issues that affect the daily lives of readers.
- Works closely with graphic, photo and video teams to optimize and produce content.
- Is comfortable hosting videos, Facebook Live appearances, and podcasts.
- Engages with readers through various social media platforms.
- Demonstrates strong news judgment informed by real-world experience.
- Writes quick-hit enterprise and trend stories off the news.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 1 year reporting/newsroom experience, including internships.
- Strong command of AP grammar and style.
- Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
- Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
- A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsrooms.
- Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories – not only to share information but also to listen for what the community is talking about.
- Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
- Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
- Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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The hourly rate for this role will range between $12.55 and $29.30. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, location, and union representation, if applicable.
Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly
- Required Education Equivalent Experience