Organization: Mississippi News and Information Corporation
Job Title: Reporter II
About Us: Mississippi News and Information Corporation (MSNIC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news startup that will aggressively and objectively cover state and local government affairs and community issues, including education, health, poverty and race, as well as Mississippi’s social culture. We are seeking reporters to join our staff based in Jackson, MS. The staff will produce high-quality reporting to act as a government watchdog, support the functioning democracy and help shape the future of the state. We believe that increasing citizen awareness, including how government action affects people and communities, will lead to greater civic engagement. MSNIC is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse workforce.
Job Description and Qualifications:
Candidates for this position must be hard-news reporters with 3-5 years of experience and a keen interest in state and local politics, government and public policy. Coverage will range from breaking news to enterprise and watchdog stories.
Experience in covering state and local government in Southern states is preferred.
Respond quickly and accurately to breaking news, filing reports on multiple platforms as the action unfolds. Follow with fresh angles on news of the day.
Balance daily journalism with enterprise projects.
Mine public records, documents and relevant sources to produce deep-impact stories that hold institutions and leaders accountable.
Analyze data, including budgets and other documents, and use social media to research content.
Tailor compelling content to satisfy readers on desktop, tablet and mobile devices.
Consistently generate creative ideas for stories and multimedia presentations.
Excellent interpersonal skills and enthusiasm for collaborating with other team members.
Possess basic photography, video and audio production skills, as well as the ability to use mobile devices to generate multimedia content.
Ability to function quickly and accurately under deadline pressure.
Understand metrics and analytics that affect coverage. Ensure content is optimized for search engines and social medial sharing.
Ability to interact with readers on social media such as Twitter, Instagram, Periscope, LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook.
Report and write accurately, understand journalistic ethics and procedures, and be proficient in AP style.
College degree in journalism, public policy or equivalent study is preferred.
Understanding of the 24/7 nature of digital journalism, which requires a flexible schedule and weekend work as needed.
What You’ll Get:
The opportunity to work alongside award-winning journalists and make significant contributions to Mississippi’s FIRST nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news and information source.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
We have a modern office environment with plenty of natural light with an office-wide view of a beautiful wooded area.
To work in a culture with passionate, creative, diverse and dedicated teammates to create and grow the organization.
How to Apply:
Please email a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, a resume, five writing samples and links to any multimedia presentations on which you have worked to careers@msnic.org with Reporter II in the subject line.