Reporter - Publication in Madison, South Dakota at Forum Communications Company

Job Summary

The Madison Leader is hiring a reporter to cover both sports and news for digital platforms and weekly print edition. This position will work in conjunction with Forum Communications media outlets across South Dakota including Sioux Falls, Mitchell, Pierre and Rapid City.

Madison is a thriving community in southeast South Dakota's lake country, close to Sioux Falls and Brookings. It is home to Dakota State University.

A Reporter is responsible for producing deeply researched, engaging, relevant stories and/or visuals in a variety of formats on all relevant publishing platforms, with an emphasis on digital content and publishing.

Essential Functions

• Research and craft compelling stories that adhere to editorial and AP style and format standards for publication across both print and digital platforms - following leads and responding quickly to breaking news.
• Find, research, and tell stories tailored to the editor’s needs and target audience.
• Stay up to date on the latest current events - local politics, public safety and education topics, community events, and more.
• Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships as a trusted source of information.
• Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
• Displaying sound editorial judgements, including a thorough understanding and application of the law, relevant codes of practice, and ethical principles.
• Drive audience loyalty and digital growth through engaging and timely content, developing unique story ideas and content around key categories that drive digital memberships and reader engagement.
• Collaborate with digital teams and make use of available tools and technology to gain insight into story metrics, determining new ways to create and present content online.
• Embrace a creative, collaborative approach with other team members and with other FCC departments and locations.
• Contribute to the overall advancement of digital initiatives; share and promote digital content through various social media channels.
• Maintain prompt and reliable attendance.

Non-Essential Duties and Functions

• Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
• 3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
• Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred, and a strong commitment to journalistic integrity and ethics.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders alike.
• Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
• Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail using a Web-based content management system.
• Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on coverage needs.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is insurable by the company.
• Must carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Environment and Cognitive/Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Prolonged periods of time sitting and working on a computer in an office environment.
• Standing and walking on an occasional basis.
• Ability to talk and hear over the phone, in person or via online meeting platforms.
• Repeating motions that may require wrist, hands and fingers. Reach with hands and arms.
• Ability to stoop, kneel, bend, crouch and lift up to 25 lbs.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.