General Assignment Reporter

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The StarNews/StarNewsOnline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a general assignment reporter to join our award-winning newsroom in Wilmington, North Carolina. While this reporter will cover a variety of topics, two primary focus areas will include growth and development topics in Pender County and regional education issues.

This is a vital coverage area for our readership because Pender County is one of the fastest growing in the state. The reporter is expected to track new major commercial/housing developments, investigate the companies behind major commercial expansions, and cover real estate market trends. Daily beat coverage, profiles, photos and video are all part of the job. We're seeking a reporter with strong writing skills who can produce insightful journalism that makes a connection with readers.

With the education coverage component, the focus is on K-12 issues with some coverage of the University of North Carolina Wilmington. We're looking for someone who can go beyond basic meeting coverage to produce enterprising education stories on key topics, including school segregation, book bans, financial constraints and school choice.

One of the top 10 largest municipalities in North Carolina, Wilmington is home to a diverse community that includes young professionals, middle-aged families and an older retiree population. The city is situated inside New Hanover County with access to three beaches.

Wilmington's downtown offers an eclectic blend of historic charm and modern appeal that includes being home to the World War II Battleship North Carolina and Victorian-era architecture as part of the 230-block National Register Historic District. Near the Cape Fear River and the Riverwalk that overlooks it are locally owned restaurants, galleries and shops that offer a vibrant nightlife through live music, bars and theater productions. Wilmington is noted for having a variety of places to live, from historic homes to modern apartments situated all over the city.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
• Plans and executes engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media.
• Connects with the community through outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.).
• Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Produces photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Experience with public records is required. Database or computer-assisted reporting skills will set applicants apart from others.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• 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 and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).

Application Instructions:

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:

1. Your updated current resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position.
3. Your portfolio/clips/links to a few samples of your work.

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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