Digital Reporter

Role Overview
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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
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* 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
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**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
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* 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
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* **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]](mailto:[email protected]). This email address is for accommodation requests only.

Benefits
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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](https://eevd.fa.us6.oraclecloud.com/hcmUI/CandidateExperience/en/sites/CX_8007).