Rochester 19th Ward-neighborhoods-developing news reporter

The Rochester Democrat and Chronicle is seeking a reporter to shine light on news big and small in Rochester's 19th Ward and by extension in other city neighborhoods. The 19th Ward is a diverse and varied place whose elements of pride and challenges lend themselves to compelling quick-turn stories, photos and Instagram Reels.

This reporter will also be available in afternoon hours to report on developing news across Greater Rochester.

This reporter role is central to growing historically underserved audiences in Rochester by writing FOR those audiences instead of merely about them. Coverage earlier this year demonstrated hyperlocal stories about the 19th Ward can attract several thousand readers, so the approach here is frequency and relevance of coverage on topics including small businesses and neighborhood events and interesting people so that diverse neighbors see and value our journalism.

Topics might range from Q&As with entrepreneurs and pastors and community association leaders and teachers and students to examinations of residents' pushing of City Hall for safer streets, better traffic controls and stronger code enforcement. This reporter will often partner with other journalists, photographers and producers to highlight traditions and events and family life, or to look more closely at ongoing concerns such as protecting households from property crime.

HIGHLIGHTS:

The ideal candidate will:

• Work a 9-5 shift unless the reporter identifies evening coverage opportunities. From 1 p.m. on, this reporter will also serve as the go-to person for taking handoffs from the morning Now team on developing stories or for pursuing newly developing afternoon news.
• Seek out and rely on public records, such as codes enforcement violations, to help tell stories that matter to neighborhood residents.
• Work with editors and other colleagues to shape reporting and storytelling to meet audience needs and interests on every platform. Most written stories will be 500 words or less, respecting audience time and bandwidth.
• Tell many stories first on social media, particularly through Instagram Reels.
• Act as a public ambassador through community outreach and make connections with influencers and engaged readers through social media.
• Build strong relationships to learn what information these community members need/want to know.
• Make it a mission to inform and engage readers through immediacy and human-centered storytelling.
• Consistently make use of solutions journalism principles and consider the impact of our work and its potential to lead to positive change within neighborhoods.
• Use existing photo/video experience and seek training as needed.
• Pursue other story assignments and developing news as directed by editors.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience.
• At least two years of applicable experience as a reporter/writer.
• Ability to capture and edit photos, videos and audio in the field, and/or a willingness to be trained in these areas.
• Social media skills required.
• Proven experience with content management systems and social media channels.
• Effective time management and organizational skills.

HOW TO APPLY

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:

• Your resume - one to two pages
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've written, 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. #Newsgnt

#LI-CB1

The hourly rate for this role will range between $15.90 and $29.30. 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.

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