East County Reporter

JOB DESCRIPTION & SPECIFICATIONS Voice of San Diego is seeking a reporter to investigate and follow stories in the cities and neighborhoods in East County, including but not limited to El Cajon, La Mesa, Santee, Lemon Grove, Poway, Pauma Valley, Jacumba, Ramona, Borrego Springs, Jamul, Spring Valley and Alpine. This reporter will explain and dig into pressing policy, government and regional issues. The reporter will also take time to draw out the stories and characters who are shaping the communities’ future. The impacts of decisions made by political leaders are often hard to follow and we have made it our mission to translate and explain them. This reporter will do that by gathering and analyzing facts through interviews, investigations and observations. Our small newsroom cannot afford to cover every story. We have distinguished ourselves by digging deeply into specific storylines that illuminate San Diego how it is. We try to make sense of what leaders are saying and uncover what they don’t want revealed. We encourage reporters to be creative in how they approach stories, and, over time, this reporter could develop into a leading light. The reporter should expect to cover local governments and institutions and explore communities that are not often covered or individuals with stories we don’t often read in the news. This reporter will produce the East County Report on a weekly basis. Sometimes people do make positive changes and overcome longstanding challenges and we hope to tell those stories as well. Voice of San Diego has a unique approach to local journalism. We encourage conversational, engaging writing. We believe complexity is a form of elitism and that journalists are educators to help residents understand their communities, public policy discussions, plans and finances. We are looking for someone who: - Brings new perspective and ideas to the newsroom from experience in journalism and other pursuits. - Has experience writing and reporting on local politics, neighborhoods and communities and how broader economic, policy and environmental forces affect them. Voice of San Diego has been a pioneering investigative, nonprofit news organization for 21 years. Our writers have the freedom and responsibility to tackle the biggest issues in the region. We believe San Diego is strong enough to face its most uncomfortable and intractable problems. But we also seek to educate, enlighten and entertain readers who care about San Diego's future and want an excellent and just government. See our Guidelines for New Reporters for more about our unique approach. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Minimum salary is $70,000. Compensation includes health, life, and disability insurance plus a 401k savings plan and company match. To apply, submit your resume, cover letter and work samples to [email protected] .
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following: 1. Write stories on topics assigned and/or approved by the Managing Editor. 2. Write and assist with daily, weekly and biweekly newsletters. 3. Form concepts for feature stories. 4. Respond to breaking news developments. 5. Meet regularly with editors to discuss priorities, updates, potential stories and deadlines. 6. Check reference materials such as books, news files, and public records including criminal and civil court files for additional relevant facts. 7. Take photographs or request photographic support to improve story coverage. 8. Develop and maintain productive, informative and respectful relationships that support the achievement of Voice of San Diego’s mission statement. 9. Follow all company and department policies and procedures. 10. Perform other duties as assigned. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements following this paragraph are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: · Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or a related/equivalent degree; or experience reporting and writing at a news organization. · Demonstrable understanding of libel and public records law. · Experience writing and publishing for digital platforms in a fast paced, daily newsroom. COMPETENCIES: · Judgment – Displays willingness to make decisions; exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning for judgment. · Professionalism – Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; follows through on commitments. · Dependability –Takes responsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals. · Initiative – Looks for and takes advantage of opportunities. · Organizational support – Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization’s goals and values. LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and interpret all forms of news (print newspapers, online publications, magazines, etc.), general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Advanced writing and communication skills; must write clearly and concisely; be accurate and unbiased. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups or individuals. Must be able to communicate with individuals who have differing educational backgrounds and cultural norms. Ability to speak a language other than English is preferred, but not required. COMPUTER SKILLS: Typing ability on a computer is essential. A good command of MS Office applications, keyboarding, email applications and other computer skills required. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Basic mathematical skills such as the ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs. PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, talk or hear. The employee is frequently required to use hands to type on a computer keyboard as well as finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; sit; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; bend, lift and climb stairs while carrying supplies or equipment. The employee is occasionally required to taste and/or smell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus. The employee frequently sits for long periods of time at a desk in an office. The employee may be required to stand for over an hour and observe meetings, people and events. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. AT-WILL: The individual hired in this role will be at-will and will be subject to termination by the employee or the Company, with or without cause, with or without notice, and at any time. AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) STATEMENT The Company will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon your request as required to comply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please contact Julianne Markow at 619-550-5673. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) STATEMENT The Company is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.