General Assignment Reporter

The Taylor Press — part of Granite Media Partners’ Central Texas Group — is seeking a full-time general-assignment reporter to take our coverage to the next level. The paper is part of an award-winning community newspaper, marketing and printing company located in Taylor, Texas. The Taylor Press in June 2023 also took the coveted sweepstakes award at the Texas Press Association. Though situated just minutes from the state capital of Austin and its amenities — including SXSW, Austin City Limits, UT-Austin football and the Austin FC — the paper is still just far enough away to have a relaxed, small-town vibe. Taylor is also close to high-growth corridors that boast an emerging tech sector including the new Samsung Austin Semiconductor foundry and the Tesla Gigafactory. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport with direct flights to Europe and elsewhere is just a short drive away for those who like to travel.

QUALIFICATIONS

The candidate must be a self-starter who is incredibly excited about covering the news and willing to learn. Making deadlines is critical, but so is the ability to tell engaging stories across multiple platforms starting with print. Experience is preferred, but we also train new reporters with a background in written narratives or media internships. Answering to the Area Editor of the Central Texas Group, the candidate will cover the governments of Taylor and Williamson County, the school district, fire, police, criminal and civil courts, write features and help with proofing. In addition to print, we also have a video component. The general-assignment reporter is also responsible for incorporating social media into news coverage with the help of our Digital Desk.

Responsibilities:

• Cover and write stories by collecting information from reliable sources.

• Keep up with your beat coverage; find stories, not just be assigned them.

• Take photographs/video.

• Be creative, show initiative, generate story ideas and photography assignments.

• Attend weekly newsroom meetings and be prepared to offer story ideas.

• Help conceptualize graphics, sidebars and info bullets for articles.

• Ensure accurate reporting by interviewing sources from a variety of perspectives; try to have a minimum of two sources per story, but more are preferred.

• Meet all deadlines.

• Understand that news doesn’t just happen from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Reporters are often “on the clock” night and day.

• Form and maintain working relationships with elected officials, city, county and school governments, law enforcement and first responders.

• Keep in touch with sources, understand the importance of tact and confidentiality, follow up on leads, and do research to be as well informed as possible.

• Read other newspapers and magazines and attend journalism training sessions.

• Digital skills and a willingness to help create video, podcasts and other content for digital platforms; you will work with our digital-desk editor.

Skills needed

• Knowledge of journalism ethics, media law, Granite Media Partners style, Associated Press style, grammar and strong writing skills.

• Superb communication and time-management abilities

• Perform job, cultivate sources and generate story ideas in a timely manner with minimal supervision

• Develop multitasking abilities and deal with time pressures

• Flexibility to assist in other tasks as needed

• Knowledge of photography a must

• Encourage and create relationships with community/neighborhood/government/education contacts to maintain a constant flow of news stories and ideas.

• Be the face of the newspaper as a representative at vital neighborhood, social and governmental functions.

Requirements

• Experience in a newsgathering field or an equivalent internship

• High school diploma or GED

• College degree in journalism or mass communications preferred

• Ability to type fast, familiarity with computers and social media

• Able to take photographs and video

We offer a competitive salary and benefits including health insurance, paid time off and mileage reimbursement. Salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience.

If you meet the above qualifications and are ready for a challenge, please apply with your resume, cover letter, phone number, email, writing samples and salary requirements.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $36,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• Journalism: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $36,000 - $40,000