Details for Richland Source is hiring a Community Development Reporter

Updated

Company Mission, Vision & Culture

Our mission is to tell the complete story of Richland County, focusing on Solutions and Engagement reporting.

We bring people together. Begin with gratitude. Trust our community. Have fun. Look for solutions.

Our culture is collaborative and energetic. We are constantly exploring new and innovative approaches to build a consistent relationship with our audience. We maintain the highest level of professionalism and establish trust through accuracy and fairness in our reporting.

Position Summary

This position is pivotal because economic development is crucial to the success of our region. We’re a rust belt region and redevelopment is happening slowly. Our goals are to educate readers on what these developments mean for them and the impact they will have on the region. There will be opportunities for this reporter to host community engagement events and dialogue with readers as well.

Results

This position will report on the intersection of the private sector and public funding. The beat includes solutions-focused reporting that educates readers on public funding allocations and economic development efforts for Mansfield and Richland County. The Community Development Reporter will engage with readers around projects, initiatives, and civic engagement. We will measure the impact of our reporting on this beat with as many metrics as become available, including dollars raised for projects, public awareness of an initiative, etc.

Duties and Responsibilities 

Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

  • Government accountability reporting around city council, township, county government, and land bank priorities, focusing on Richland County Land Bank, Ontario City Council and Madison Township Trustees.

  • Economic development throughout the city and county with an emphasis on the revitalization of properties and infrastructure development

  • A look to cities and regions throughout the U.S. for solutions to development problems facing Richland County

  • Development stories based on audience feedback from Talk the Vote sessions and future news engagement events

  • Workforce development opportunities

  • Initiatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Richland Community Development Group, County tourism.

  • The reporter will cover stories outside of their beat as needs arise.

  • Attend weekly staff meetings.

  • Take part in staff editorial projects.

  • Publish stories on deadline.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Key Performance Indicators

  • 25-30 bylines per month 

  • 100 photos per month.

  • At least one Solutions Journalism story per month.

  • At least one Open Source story per month.

Critical Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Required

  • Develop a new beat via networking, research, civic meeting coverage, etc.

  • Basic understanding of the Internet, Google and social media platforms 

  • Leverage social media platforms to promote and distribute stories 

Preferred

  • Create video, audio and graphics to enhance stories  

  • Analyze and incorporate data into reporting

  • Back-end CMS experience and story formatting

Technology

  • The company reimburses employees for purchasing their own computer, camera and phone equipment via a Technology benefit. The benefits accrue annually so employees can upgrade to the latest technology.

Base Salary

  • $30,000 - $35,000.

Benefits

  • 401K, Health, Vision, Dental insurance. Tech benefits, Vacation time, PTO, Paid Holidays, Parental Leave. Reporters are eligible for monthly bonuses based on performance metrics.

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in journalism. 

How to Apply

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