Growth and development reporter

The Beaver County Times, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious, imaginative and digitally savvy journalist to fill a critical role as growth and development reporter covering the Beaver Valley region in western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

This diverse region provides opportunities to cover issues that affect urban, suburban and rural communities as well as many environmental stories as it is a former steel mill region, has Bitcoin server farms and is home to one of the largest petrochemical plants in the eastern United States. The core of the coverage area is Beaver County, Pa., which sits on the border with southern Ohio and is about 30 miles from the city of Pittsburgh. The reporter will focus on all types of commercial and residential development issues as well as the real estate market. They will look at housing, redevelopment, new and existing businesses, community health and demographics in a way that engages our audience and tells readers why these stories are important to them.

If you're a reporter whose curiosity unearths an interesting story from routine items and endeavors to find tales from the less-heard members of the community, then we're eager to speak with you. This job requires an understanding of social media platforms, Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset.

Previous experience as a reporter is required as are a driver's license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Enthusiastically develop a beat and becoming a local authority on growth, development and business.
• Be curious, assertive and self-starting.
• Capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick-turn content for social media and other digital platforms.
• Use sites such as Google Trends, Data Miner and other search tools to mine story ideas from social media and news organizations.
• Be proficient on the latest social media tools and trends.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, video) that are tailored to the right platform (mobile, desktop, social media) to best reach the target audience.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team with other reporters and editors. Flexibility to fill in on other beats to assist in coverage of breaking news and other events.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of professional journalism experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of AP style, reporting ethics and sourcing.

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 produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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