Growth and development reporter

The Wilmington StarNews/starnewsonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is hiring a reporter to cover growth and development in Brunswick County, one of the fastest growing in North Carolina.

This reporter will focus on the impact of growth on several towns through explanatory, enterprise and investigative reporting. Daily stories, beat coverage, profiles, reporter visuals and high comfort with digital also are part of the job. This reporter will find and tell compelling stories that hold government and institutions responsible to our readers while also focusing on the impact of massive growth and development.

We're seeking a reporter with strong writing skills who can produce insightful journalism that makes a connection with readers. We also want someone who can spot trending stories and work quickly to get them published.

One of the top 10 largest municipalities in North Carolina, Wilmington is home to a diverse community that includes young professionals, middle-aged families and an older retiree population. Brunswick County sits to the south of Wilmington and north of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.

Wilmington's downtown offers an eclectic blend of historic charm and modern appeal that includes being home to the World War II Battleship North Carolina and Victorian-era architecture as part of the 230-block National Register Historic District.

Near the Cape Fear River and the Riverwalk that overlooks it are locally owned restaurants, galleries and shops that offer a vibrant nightlife through live music, bars and theater productions. Wilmington is noted for having a variety of places to live, from historic homes to modern apartments situated all over the city.

Responsibilities:

• Create storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Work toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
• Connect with the community through storytelling.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with your editor and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with photographer to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Capture basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote your personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Previous reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships and college publication work.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Passionate about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• Willingness to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
• Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Collaborate well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.

This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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