FEATURES REPORTER

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• People: None other than self.
• Data: Stories, notes, files, clips, research material, source lists, story assignments.
• Things: Computers, telephones, cell phones, office equipment, supplies.

Overall Responsibilities:
To find and gather information – both words and images (mugs and video) -- for the newspaper’s print and digital platforms. To write news and feature stories.

Specific Responsibilities:

• Monitors events, activities and issues in assigned geographic and subject area(s).
• Suggests content and coverage within assigned areas, coordinates with supervisors and peers.
• Posts content on social media as directed, consistent with policy and content strategy.
• Takes still photos (mostly head-and-shoulders images) and video.
• Writes text for video stories. Records narrative audio, as assigned.
• Develops and maintains ongoing contact with sources in assigned geographical and topical area(s).
• Selects wire or syndicated content (stories, photos, graphics, videos) for presentation in print product(s), digital products and social media.
• Edits and processes staff-created content (stories, photos, graphics, videos) for presentation in print product(s), digital products and social media.
• Edits content for accuracy, completeness, and AP and local style.
• Writes accurate, complete and compelling headlines appropriate for the platform (print, digital, social).
• Designs print-product pages.
• Produces maps, charts and graphics from existing templates, as necessary.
• Meets deadlines.
• Monitors news and issues, from local to international.
• Suggests content and coverage consistent with audience interest and editorial direction.
• Suggests and initiates programs and procedures to enhance products, efficiency and morale.
• Adheres to company and departmental policies.
• Adheres to standard practices and ethical standards of the industry.
• Positive representative of department, company and industry at all times.
• Attends and participates in corporate initiatives such as Great Game of Business, ESOP meetings, etc.
• Provides quality customer service via phone, email and face-to-face interaction to both internal and external customers.
• Communicates information to the appropriate individuals and/or departments in a timely manner, such as news tips, source suggestions or real or potential customer-relations issues.
• Works in cooperation with all members of company in general and Editorial Department in particular.
• Performs other job-related duties as assigned.

Behavior: Commitment to quality and service. A team player. Objectivity. A positive representative of the newspaper and colleagues as a member of the journalism profession. Dresses appropriately for the job. Valid driver’s license.

Skills: Reporting, interviewing, writing, multi-media, typing, shooting mug shots and video, using electronic media, communicating, meeting deadlines, planning and organizing.

Knowledge: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent; minimum of two years of newspaper or related media/communications experience.