REPORTER - Central Maine

Description

The Maine Trust for Local News is seeking an enterprising and energetic journalist to join its reporting staff. The Central Maine reporter will cover general interest news for centralmaine.com and its two daily newspapers, the Kennebec Journal and Morning Sentinel. You will cover daily news in the region, devote time to important regional issues/enterprise projects and have an opportunity to develop a topic-based beat informed by your interests and the team’s coverage needs. 

POSITION OBJECTIVES/SUMMARY: 

Create stories about events, trends, people and matters of public concern using various research methods and interviews as well as assisting in the development of other content that would be of interest to our readers. This is to be done with balance, accuracy and speed and with an eye toward informing, enlightening and entertaining. 

• Reports and writes in a variety of styles as assigned, including, but not limited to news stories, features, narratives, first-person accounts, columns, briefs, captions and text within graphics and other visual presentations. 
• Generates ideas for stories and other content of interest to readers. 
• File stories quickly so they can be posted on the web immediately when appropriate and continue to file updates on developing news. 
• Covers beat or assigned area with an emphasis toward accountability reporting opportunities on how powerful forces impact the lives of our readers. 
• Contributes ideas and information for content that enhances text. 
• Maintains communication with members of our audience, colleagues, news sources and supervisors. 
• Stays aware of local, regional, national and international events relevant to our readers. 
• Demonstrates good organization and time management. 
• Complete work as prioritized to meet deadlines. 

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Clear, precise writing skills 
• Unrelenting attention to detail 
• Strong critical thinking abilities 
• Familiarity with using data 
• Familiarity with various research tools 
• Working knowledge of media ethics, libel and privacy laws 
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal 
• Takes initiative 
• Responsive and follows tasks through to completion 
• Team player and collaborator 
• Strong organizational and time management skills 
• Strong communication skills; both written and verbal 

Please include a resume, cover letter and at least three (3) clips of your work.

EDUCATION / EXPERIENCE: 

College degree in journalism or comparable experience required. The position requires reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license. 

WE OFFER:

• Full Benefits Package including medical, dental and vision, life, long-term and short-term disability insurance
• 401K plan with company match. 
• Generous paid time-off and parental leave. 
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for personal and professional support. 

We are an equal opportunity employer.