Health and Human Services Reporter
Req #23927
Our current portfolio of media assets includes USA TODAY, local media organizations in 46 states in the U.S., and Newsquest, a wholly owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom with more than 120 local news media brands. Gannett also owns the digital marketing services companies ReachLocal, Inc., UpCurve, Inc., and WordStream, Inc., which are marketed under the LOCALiQ brand, and runs the largest media-owned events business in the U.S., USA TODAY NETWORK Ventures.
To connect with us, visit www.gannett.com.
The Cape Cod Times, part of Gannett Inc. and the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a reporter who can own the Health and Social Services beat in our news-rich region. In this assignment, the reporter can cover anything and everything about these topics that are important to people on Cape Cod.
In this position, you will cover Cape Cod Healthcare, the predominant health care system on the Cape, which includes two hospitals; nursing home care and overall health and disease topics in both daily and enterprise reporting. We often tap experts from Boston and other areas of the country in our reporting. On the social services side of the beat, you can expect to cover the opioid crisis and mental health care and the lack of it as well as other social service topics.
Are you adept at using social media? Hope so, because once people realize you are the one who knows what’s going on, they’ll follow you religiously on social media. Eager to tell stories in innovative ways? We’re game if you can find ways to help new audiences find us on different platforms. Are you itching to take on this beat? Think you have what it takes to be the go-to person in this news-rich area? If you’re already excited, you’re halfway there.
Cape Cod will be your domain, and the potential stories are endless. It’s also a highly competitive area where there’s room for the Times to grow its audience so you’ll be a big part of the newsroom’s lofty goals. Cape Cod is home to more than 220,000 people in a beautiful seaside environment that offers access to many outdoor activities – on land and water. The Cape has a vibrant creative economy from music to theater and craftspeople to writers. And the Cape is home to some of the most highly regarded scientific research institutions in the world. The Times is an award-winning news organization that hits above its weight.
Job Details
We are looking for a reporter who wants to work with editors to pinpoint what our audience wants to know, what they need to know and what’s trending. And we are looking for a storyteller who can convey the human consequences of what’s happening in the growth and development environment from a financial, social, cultural and solutions perspective. The potential stories are endless.
Typical Job Duties
- Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
- Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
- Collaborates with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
- Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
- Explores and reports on the widest range of housing and real estate news and trends, connecting with our audience’s passion.
- Content strategies include print, branded digital platforms, traditional and emerging social media, events, apps, and curation of contributed and expert content.
- Places a high priority on data analysis to identify trends that would otherwise go unreported.
- Demonstrates clear concise writing skills with strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” content.
- Requires the development of outstanding research skills and extensive contacts that can break news.
- Uses independent judgment in day-to-day activities; demonstrated success in selecting methods and techniques for obtaining solutions. Normally receives instructions on routine work, detailed instruction on new projects and assignments.
- Researches, reports, and writes news articles for publication.
- Recognizes newsworthy events and trends and understands how to connect with our audience on multiple platforms.
- Understands the standards and ethics around newsgathering and can execute most of its primary forms at a commendable level, including source interviews, use of public records, data analysis and primary and secondary source research.
- Has developed enough topical knowledge to provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Understands good storytelling and successfully develops ideas.
- Can write news stories and more complex enterprise pieces with minimal guidance. Can execute on special projects by working closely with editors.
- 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 comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to enhance reporting and promote stories.
- 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.
- Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of 3 or more years’ reporting/newsroom experience.
- Must be willing to travel on short notice, to cover breaking news events.
- Work weekends and nights when there is major breaking news.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
- 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.
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Other details
- Job Family Frontline Journalists
- Job Function Consumer
- Pay Type Hourly