Reporter: Government, public safety

Job Title

The Herald News, heraldnews.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious, tenacious and digitally savvy journalist to be our reporter covering Greater Fall River area government and public safety.

This reporter is expected to have the range to handle breaking news coverage, quick-turn enterprise and features. This is a remote role but not a virtual position; there isn't a newsroom office, but the reporter is expected to be in Fall River multiple times a week.

The reporter will primarily focus on anticipating and answering the questions Fall River area residents have about how local government and decisions made by elected and key officials affect their lives, their families, their finances and their community. Breaking news and public safety will be part of the mix. You'll need to dig deeper and seek a wider perspective, cultivate diverse sources and devote resources to debunking myths and stereotypes. You'll write about serious crime, scrutinize police tactics and spotlight social issues, while being sensitive to how our stories affect the various people and neighborhoods we cover.

This job requires creating vertical video for social media platforms, an understanding of Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset. Fall River is a city with a storied past and an exciting future. Known as the birthplace of Lizzie Borden and Emeril Lagasse and once a powerhouse in garment manufacturing, this gem on Massachusetts' Southcoast is in the midst of a renaissance. A revitalized waterfront, new restaurants, and commuter rail access to Bostonplus just a 20?minute drive to Providenceare fueling growth and opportunity. It's a community of 94,000 people rich in history, culture, and ambition, making it the perfect place to tell stories that matter.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• 1-2 or more years of professional journalism experience or significant internship experience, preferred
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing
• 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 pre-employment, motor vehicle record check and background check.

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 resume one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. 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.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $15.87 and $38.70. 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.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.