Government & Public Policy Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Lubbock (TX); Hybrid; USD 44,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a government and public policy reporter for the Lubbock area to cover impactful issues in Lubbock and the South Plains-Panhandle region.

The role requires reporting across platforms with strong use of AI/data to inform audiences. You will work in a hybrid newsroom in Lubbock, focusing on watchdog journalism and community impact, with time management for deadlines and field assignments.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years’ reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships, and college publication work.
• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Create content (articles, videos, photos, etc.) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice for news and issues regarding government and public policy.
• Identify key concerns from community members, organizations and leaders
• Work with editors and other team members to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Skills

Reporting

Photo/Video

AI in journalism

AP style

Social media

Public records access

Data analysis

Time management

Education

Bachelor's/Master's in Communications or Journalism

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal / lbuckonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a government and public policy reporter to cover impactful issues in Lubbock and the South Plains-Panhandle region of West Texas.

This reporter must be highly motivated with a proven ability to report compelling stories that resonate with audiences. The successful candidate should be confident pursuing watchdog and public-interest journalism focused on Lubbock - a growing metro area of more than 300,000 people - as well as Texas Tech University and the surrounding region where government and public policy developments often make a statewide and national impact. They should be adept at using digital reporting tools, have facility with AI, be knowledgeable about accessing public records and able to analyze data to strengthen reporting. Visual storytelling skills, including photo and video, are essential.

Time management and multitasking skills are a must, as this reporter will need to be a self-motivated journalist working with a team of reporters and editors in a hybrid environment. They will work both out of our new downtown newsroom in Lubbock and in the field.

Responsibilities

• Create content (articles, videos, photos, etc.) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice for news and issues regarding government and public policy.
• Identify key concerns from community members, organizations and leaders
• Work with editors and other team members to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years’ reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships, and college publication work.
• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
• Is comfortable using social media such as X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

#Content

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.