Growth and Development Reporter I

The MetroWest Daily News (metrowestdailynews.com) and Milford Daily News (milforddailynews.com) seek a reporter passionate about the housing and business markets to cover the growth and development beat.

The newsroom, which produces both newspapers and is part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, wants a reporter to tell the stories for the people of Framingham, Milford and surrounding communities, not just write about them. This will be a person who is a curious, imaginative and digitally savvy journalist, who can write stories that are informative, moving, enlightening and original, something our readers can't get anywhere else.

The reporter will focus on all types of commercial and residential development issues, as well as the real estate market. They will be asked to look at housing, redevelopment, new and existing businesses, permitting and zoning in a way that engages our audience and tells readers why these stories are important to them.

If you're the type of reporter whose curiosity unearths an interesting story behind a seemingly routine zoning or planning board agenda item, this job is for you. This job requires an understanding of social media platforms, Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO techniques; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset.

This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news, staying ahead of the competition on daily and enterprise work. Source development will be critical, cultivating contacts among residents and officials.

With approximately 72,000 residents, Framingham is the 14th-largest city in Massachusetts. Framingham is known for the Framingham Heart Study, which started in 1948 with more than 5,000 residents and is now in its third generation. It is also home to Shoppers World, one of the first suburban shopping malls in the country. Together with the adjacent Natick Mall, they are major components of the so-called Golden Triangle shopping district along Route 9.

With approximately 30,000 residents, Milford is a town known for its industrial and mining opportunities due to its proximity to the Charles, Mill and Blackstone rivers and large amounts of pink granite. For nearly 120years, Milford has had its own hospital, now called Milford Regional Medical Center, and has a cancer treatment facility with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute.

Job Details:

Typical Job Duties

• Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news, developing a beat and becoming a local authority on development.
• Be a curious, assertive and self-starting journalist.
• Understands the standards and ethics around newsgathering and can competently execute most of its primary forms, including source interviews, use of public records, data analysis and primary and secondary source research.
• Capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick-turn-around content for social media and other digital platforms
• Use sites such as Google Trends, DataMiner and other search tools to mine story ideas from social media and news organizations.
• Produce content in alternative forms (listicles, Q&As, narratives, video).
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
• Collaborates well and can work with a team on the biggest stories. Flexibility to fill in on other beats to assisting coverage of breaking news and other events.
• Able to work occasional late nights as needed by the news cycle.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1 to 3 years of professional journalism experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of AP style, reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Adept at taking photos and video

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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