Public Safety Journalist

Adams Communications Co; Greenville (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Paid holidays

Paid vacation

401K

Job summary

The Daily Reflector in Greenville, NC is seeking a multifaceted Public Safety Journalist to quickly deliver accurate news on crimes, courts and emergency services. You will report major incidents, track court developments and craft enterprise stories for multiple platforms.

You will build sources, use public records and data tools, and work under tight deadlines to inform readers. A bachelor's in journalism and 1+ year of reporting experience are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field.
• At least 1 year of professional reporting experience.
• Strong command of AP style, grammar.
• Ability to dig into public records and use spreadsheets.
• Ability to multitask and meet fast deadlines.
• Collaborate with editors and reporters across multiple sites.
• Develop sources and build community networks.

Responsibilities

• Be first to report major breaking news in crime, crashes, fires, and weather emergencies.
• Cover the impact of crime on neighborhoods and public safety initiatives.
• Follow criminal and civil cases through the court system.
• Track trends in crime and public safety.
• Develop features and profiles showing the human side of public safety.
• Produce 10 bylined articles per week and multiple briefs.
• Use AI to generate crime blotter and court listings.

Skills

Strong grammar

AP Style

Public records research

Source development

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism

Tools

Spreadsheets

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Public Safety Journalist

Full-Time Regular [30 or more hrs/wk] Professionals Tenn & NC The Daily Reflector, Greenville, NC, US

Public safety journalist

The Daily Reflector in Greenville, N.C., is seeking a multifaceted journalist to quickly deliver the most accurate, thorough and reliable information about crime, courts and emergency services.

• Be the first to learn about and report major breaking news, including crimes, vehicular crashes, fires and weather emergencies that result in notable public disruption, extensive property damage and loss of life
• Report on the impact crime has on local neighborhoods and residents and concerns people have about law enforcement and public safety initiatives
• Follow criminal and civil cases through the court system and report on major developments, trends, successes and failures
• Track and report on trends in crime, crime-fighting, roadway safety, school and campus safety
• Cover the public safety leadership, changes within important agencies, criticism and controversy
• Develop features and profiles that show the human side of people involved in public safety
• Use website data and audience research to drive coverage and help convert casual readers into devoted subscribers
• Generate one issue-based enterprise story per quarter and at least three front-page centerpiece stories per quarter
• Generate a consistent stream of content for all platforms, including 10 bylined articles a week and multiple briefs
• Use AI to generate a regular crime blotter and listings of grand jury indictments and court dispositions
• Cultivate deep sources within the community to provide story tips, background, context and commentary
• Participate in an emailed newsletter and create a social media strategy to promote content, assist in building sources and stay abreast of breaking news
• Use a smartphone to capture images and video that illustrate and complement copy, and create content for digital platforms
• Carry out other essential duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

Education: A bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Experience: At least a year of professional reporting and newsroom experience

Writing: Strong command of grammar and Associated Press (AP) Style; ability to produce clear, concise daily reports and engaging deep dives

Reporting: Ability to dig into public records and use spreadsheets and other tools to produce data-driven reports and to monitor social media for breaking news alerts

Multitasking: Able to manage fast daily deadlines while pursuing long-term enterprise projects

Collaboration: Brainstorm with editors and reporters across multiple sites to develop new stories and approaches to content

Networkingand source building: We need someone who isn't afraid to knock on doors and talk with people where news happens, introduce themselves at community events and meetings and get to know people in the know.

Greenville is home to East Carolina University and ECU Health, with an MSA of 180,000. It is 90 minutes from North Carolina's beaches to the east and Raleigh and the Research Triangle to the west.

Our Parent company, Adams Publishing Group is growing and offers a strong benefit package of health, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and 401K.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.