Breaking News Reporter at Always Lancaster – Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Summary: The Breaking News Reporter serves a digital-first audience that expects immediate, accurate, and high-quality coverage of events across Lancaster County. This role requires a highly mobile, versatile journalist who can report in real time using multiple formats - including text, video, photography, and social media. The reporter focuses on delivering timely, contextual, and impactful stories, prioritizing quality over quantity and emphasizing enterprise reporting and community relevance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Reporting

· Gather, organize, and analyze information to produce accurate, timely, and compelling stories aligned with editorial standards

· Report breaking news in real time with a digital-first mindset, balancing speed with accuracy and context

· Build subject matter expertise through research and development of community sources

· Curate and aggregate relevant external content, adding value through context and explanation

· Identify and pursue unique, high-impact stories that serve the local community

Digital & Social Media

· Publish and manage content across digital platforms using a content management system

· Track performance metrics and audience engagement to inform future reporting strategies

· Actively engage audiences through social media and build a strong digital presence

· Capture and produce multimedia content, including photos and video

· Promote published content across relevant platforms to maximize reach and engagement

General Responsibilities

· Collaborate with newsroom staff and contribute to a team-oriented environment

· Maintain professionalism, integrity, confidentiality, and ethical standards

· Communicate effectively with colleagues and stakeholders

· Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and attention to detail

· Take initiative in learning new tools, skills, and supporting team efforts

· Perform additional duties and special projects as assigned

Supervisory Responsibilities: This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities

This position is subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. The Employer retains all rights to manage its operations except as expressly limited by that agreement. Nothing in this job description shall be interpreted to modify the agreement.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

· News Judgment & Editorial Decision-Making: Ability to prioritize meaningful, high-impact stories over volume

· Digital & Multimedia Proficiency: Skilled in CMS platforms, social media, video, and photo storytelling

· Communication Skills: Strong written and verbal communication aligned with journalistic standards

· Adaptability & Agility: Thrives in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment with shifting priorities

· Analytical Thinking: Uses data and performance metrics to refine content strategy

· Relationship Building: Develops and maintains credible sources within the community

· Collaboration: Works effectively across teams and contributes to a positive newsroom culture

· Initiative & Continuous Learning: Proactively seeks growth and innovation in reporting methods

· Professionalism & Integrity: Upholds ethical standards, confidentiality, and organizational values

Minimum Qualifications: The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or abilities required for this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the essential functions of the job satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college in Journalism, English, communications or related field is required. Foundational knowledge of news writing, journalistic ethics, and story structure. Experience producing digital and/or print content.

· Communication Skills: Ability to write clearly and accurately under tight deadlines. Strong teamwork skills with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

· Technical Skills: Familiarity with current media tools and newsroom systems (CMS, social media platforms, multimedia tools).

· Physical Requirements: Ability to sit, stand, walk, and use standard office equipment as needed to perform job duties. Reasonable accommodations may be made.

· Work Environment: Professional office environment using standard office equipment such as computers, phones, and copiers.