Local Government Accountability Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Sioux Falls (SD); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Argus Leader, part of USA TODAY NETWOR K, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover local government with a state political lens for Sioux Falls readership.

Primary focus on city council and county governments, translating state policy into local impact and human interest stories for diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination.
• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
• Ability to write clear, compelling articles with digital storytelling tools.
• Understanding of social media and how to use it for distribution.
• Understanding of metrics and how to adapt from data feedback.
• Ability to multi-task and work under deadlines in a 24-hour newsroom.
• Collaborative in cross-functional teams and adaptable to change.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required insurance.

Responsibilities

• Create storytelling that informs, engages, and reaches diverse audiences.
• Aim to become the community’s leading voice on local government coverage.
• Engage with community through storytelling and outreach (social, forums, events).
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work with editors to review metrics, adjust coverage, and plan ongoing needs.
• Collaborate to include photos, videos, and graphics; capture basic media as needed.
• Promote personal, colleague, and institutional brands.
• Deliver excellent reader service and help audiences find answers.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Skills

Storytelling

Social media

Deadline-driven

Public records access

Education

Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or equivalent

Tools

Video editing tools

Job description

Local Government Accountability Reporter

The Argus Leader/argusleader.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWOR K, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover local government, often through a state political lens, without bogging down in day-to-day politics covered by area competition.

The government accountability reporter will primarily cover the Sioux Falls City Council and two county governments, with the occasional smaller municipality as well. They will use what happens at the state level to carve out local coverage about how state policy affects southeastern South Dakota residents.

The position will help put context to issues in the fastest growing city in the Midwest, and the largest city in South Dakota as well as have the potential to help supplement state coverage for two of Gannett’s smaller publications in South Dakota.

This position may also help provide national coverage during Election seasons, given South Dakota’s recent ranking as the No. 2 best state to be in, according to U.S. News & World Report, and high-level politicians from here are actively helping shape the future of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Either way, because this is the state’s most populous area, much of what is decided at the state and national level has direct and immediate through-lines to how our city functions based on taxpayer money. The lifeblood of this position is an ability to find Sioux Falls residents impacted by state policies and to tell their stories in ways that engage and enlighten our audience.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, the ability to analyze data, and will shape stories around the impact on communities rather than political actors. There may also be a necessity to travel to and occasionally cover politics at our Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to assist with Reuters' wire services.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
• Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to enhance your work with video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.
• Understanding of social media and its uses.
• Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on feedback from data.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.
• Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
• This job includes some evening and weekend work.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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 who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.