Continue the thread in a previous post about what skills the industry looks for – I came across a post by a veteran journalist who said he was often asked the question of “what editors look for in new hires?” He copied a job ad in his post saying the job description is a perfect description of what it takes to be a future journalist, and recommends that directors of journalism programs across the nation be familiar with the list.
I’m copying that job ad here. I will write a separate post for some thoughts about what this job ad means to multiplatform journalism education.
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Reporter (All Topics) – MLive Media Group, Grand Rapids, Michigan
Job Details
ESSENTIAL PURPOSE OF THIS POSITION
The Reporter will report and produce news stories for various platforms, and act as a statewide expert and discussion leader on high-value topics, meeting audience demand for immediacy, depth and engagement.
REQUIRED EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS
· Degree in Journalism or Communications or related field required
· Minimum of 2 years of journalism experience with a proven ability in reporting and writing required
· Proven experience building, maintaining and engaging an active audience
· Ability to work independently under deadline pressure and prioritize tasks appropriately
· Demonstrated reporting, writing and organizational skills
· Solid understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics and story structure
· Experience with search engine optimization practices
· Experience with using social media to source and promote content a plus
· Demonstrated capability in capitalizing on high-value topics by engaging audiences in frequency and urgency
· Understanding of the methods and tools used to deliver content across a variety of platforms such as Moveable Type CMS, SCC Budgeting and Archiving System, Smartphones
· Understanding imperatives of multiple platforms – print, mobile, Internet, etc.
· Mastery of social media and digital interaction
· Proven ability to utilize a broad set of tools to tell stories and engage the audience
· Ability to leverage relationships with sources to deliver content that differentiates the organization from competitors
· Ability to work independently and remotely
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties and Responsibilities, work schedules and/or location may change based on evolving business needs
1. Gather information and write journalistically sound news elements for use in all media platforms, existing and future, that is: balanced and factual; timely and topical; and, well –sourced and contextually correct
2. Learn and employ all techniques for effective digital “beat-blogging” reporting across all platforms
3. Post frequent and incrementally posting throughout the day
4. Engage in story aggregation and topical link-posting
5. Monitor and engage in reader comment streams on MLive impact pages
6. Elevate comments into new posts when appropriate
7. Interact on social media platforms, with story shares, objective commentary, promoting your topic and news organization’s content initiatives
8. Effectively employ various means for monitoring audience interest and competitors’ posting on your topic, including setting up Google alerts, Twitter and RSS feeds
9. Maintain operational communication with editor and, when applicable, production center,
10. Understand and use hardware, software and cloud-based equipment and systems for direct-to-web production and engagement, including but not limited to:
· a posting photographs and short videos to the web and any internal production systems
· remote web reporting, using laptops and smart phones
11. Understand and use our news organization’s audience traffic tracking systems and analytical reports
12. Meet production deadlines
WORKING CONDITIONS AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
Extensive computer use required. Some travel required. Ability to work flexible work schedules, including nights, weekends and holidays, as needed
