Senior Reporter/Editor

Scpress; Hilton Head Island (SC); On-site; USD 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a dynamic newsroom in a stunning coastal location as an editor and reporter. This role offers the chance to mentor upcoming journalists while leading editorial efforts in a collaborative environment. You will be at the forefront of creating compelling stories that resonate with the community, leveraging your strong writing and reporting skills to engage diverse audiences. With a focus on creativity and enterprise, this position allows you to thrive in a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions. If you're passionate about journalism and eager to make a difference, this opportunity is perfect for you.

Benefits

Healthcare coverage

401(k) with employer match

Competitive paid time off

Mental health benefits

Wellness resources

Qualifications

• Proven history of juggling daily and long-term reporting tasks.
• Strong understanding of audience engagement and SEO tactics.

Responsibilities

• Lead newsroom operations and mentor junior reporters.
• Generate and execute compelling story ideas and build community relationships.

Skills

Strong writing skills

Reporting skills

News judgment

SEO understanding

Ability to build sources

Collaborative style

Entrepreneurial spirit

Curiosity

Job description

The Island Packet of Hilton Head seeks an aggressive, enterprising editor and reporter to join its award-winning newsroom in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

Live among the natural beauty, wildlife, trails, sun and sand and work with a newsroom that has been recognized as South Carolina’s best in its circulation size for six years running.

We seek an experienced reporter with the ability to be a mentor and coach to other reporters and an understanding of writing for specific audiences and communities of interest.

The large majority of your time will be spent reporting, but this is the No. 2 position in the newsroom and there will be times when you will be leading the newsroom, editing copy and other management duties.

The successful candidate will be able to show a proven history of juggling daily, short-term and longer-term pieces at once. We value enterprise and creativity and a reporter who can generate and execute compelling story ideas.

In this role, you also will need to:

• Build sources and relationships in the community.
• Think about our audience first and always, with a commitment to tactics that grow readership.
• Demonstrate speed, competitiveness and SEO savvy.
• Work well in a team environment.

The ideal candidate also will be able to help coach young reporters and assist the senior editor for news at times with editing and leadership opportunities.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong writing and reporting skills and excellent news judgment;
• Solid news judgment and excellent journalism ethics;
• Understanding of open records laws and the ability to file, manage and oversee requests pertinent to beat work;
• Ability to ask the right questions and discuss alternatives with a reporter or visual journalist to determine whether a story idea is worth pursuing;
• Understanding of SEO and other optimization opportunities and a demonstrated ability to learn new skills in social and digital;
• Ability to correctly identify audiences for selected stories;
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit, deep curiosity and high energy;
• A collaborative style that works comfortably across teams spread throughout the office and company.

What we’ll bring:

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals.

To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and six to eight examples of your best work when you apply.