Digital Reporter

Role Overview

This Digital Reporter position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. It also demands strong news judgment and the ability to find and identify stories and trends that are immediate, important and influential across a variety of small community markets. Quick writing and reporting skills are crucial. This person can juggle a high volume of stories across multiple markets daily, all while staying focused on the digital details of story production: Headlines, SEO, multi-media assets and other points of optimization.

The person who fills this position needs to be able to self-assign and re-prioritize in real-time. Additionally, this person needs to feel comfortable with being edited by peers–and to contribute to peer editing.

Hybrid: This hybrid role is based in Beaumont, TX, Laredo, TX, Midland, TX, or Plainview, TX.

What You’ll Do

• Pitch and write 3 to 5 stories a day based on what's trending in local market(s).
• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, social media platforms or any other methods available to reach new audiences.
• Identify top news stories of the day based on analytics and audience potential.
• Quickly recognize and jump on breaking news for assigned markets and coordinate with other Hearst newspapers regionally.
• Work with local and regional editors as well as the Hearst development team to experiment with new ways of finding and engaging new audiences on social platforms and alternative storyforms.
• Create and maintain a steady supply of sources for story ideas that allows a depth of ideas each day that can provide different options to choose from.
• Be familiar with contact information for various agencies to obtain information as quickly as possible.
• Pitch and create alternative forms of content, including listicles, slideshows, and timelines.
• Work with other newsroom staff on shared byline projects as necessary.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field.
• News writing experience and familiarity with AP style.

Competencies and Critical Skills

• Solid news judgment and a strong understanding of the local market. Awareness of media standards around fair use and accurate citation for content.
• Proficient writer, fact-checker, and familiar with AP Style.
• Understand web metrics to guide story choices toward KPI growth. Knowledge of analytics and CMS tools such as Chartbeat and Google Analytics.
• Organized and able to meet deadlines in daily and breaking news situations.
• Open to off-typical schedules including early mornings, late evenings and/or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Understanding of audience engagement metrics.

Measures of Success

• Deliver stories quickly, accurately and at a consistent pace.
• Meet daily and weekly KPIs for audience growth, including story visits and subscriber traffic.
• Grow your social media base and regularly promote links to stories.
• Great teamwork with digital and newsroom staff.

Additional Information

• Sponsorship: This position does not provide immigration sponsorship. Applicants must have the right to work in the U.S. without immigration sponsorship.
• Accommodations: We are committed to an accessible application process. If you need an accommodation to apply, please contact [email protected]. This email address is for accommodation requests only.

Benefits

We support our employees through personal and professional development and promote physical, financial and emotional wellbeing for employees and their families. Our benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, dental and vision coverage to help keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with a matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Paid leave to support growing families and new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Mental wellness benefits to support your emotional wellbeing.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for individual needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Support throughout different stages of your health and family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: Support to help keep your pets happy and healthy.
• And more: Learn more about additional benefits and details here.