Statewide Trending Reporter

Gannett; Salem (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Statesman Journal in Salem seeks a versatile reporter to cover statewide trending topics in Oregon. You will craft quick-hit multimedia stories that engage Oregonians and interact with readers using data, SEO, and mobile-first storytelling.

The role emphasizes analytics, rapid response, and audience growth through video explainers and social engagement, based in Salem with a newsroom focus on Oregon’s unique landscape.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s in communications, journalism or equivalent.
• 1–2 years journalism experience with strong news writing and reporting; ability to shoot and edit video and stills.
• Mastery of SEO and social media to promote work and engage readers.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, sources and the community.
• Command of media law and ethical conduct.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Publish two to three stories on trending topics each day.
• Identify trending news to create timely, relevant stories that spark conversation.
• Monitor social media, Google Trends and Parse.ly to determine how best to capture a wide audience.
• Track performance metrics to understand what resonates with our audience and inform future coverage.
• Follow SEO and platform best practices to optimize reach and impact.
• Be flexible and willing to shift priorities quickly as news develops.

Skills

SEO & social media

Video shooting & editing

Analytics & data-driven storytelling

Mobile-first storytelling

Time management

Relationship building

Media law & ethics

Driver's license & reliable transport

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s orMaster’s in communications/journalism or equivalent

Tools

Parse.ly

Google Trends

Job description

The Statesman Journal / statesmanjournal.com , part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks a versatile and nimble reporter to cover statewide trending topics in Oregon.

If there's one term your friends use to describe you, it's "extremely online." You will start conversations and produce quick-hit multimedia trending stories that answer Oregonians' most pressing questions.

The ideal candidate is well-versed in analytics, writing for a mobile-first, digital audience and knows what makes Oregon special.

You will look for ways to constantly grow and interact with our audience, including through video explainers, on everything from secret mountain springs to fireworks displays on the Oregon Coast.

This position is based in our Salem office. The capital city is located between the Coast and Cascade Mountain ranges in the Mid-Willamette Valley. It is about one hour south of Portland, one hour north of Eugene and an hour west of the stunning Oregon Coast.

Responsibilities

• Publish two to three stories on trending topics each day.
• Identify trending news to create timely, relevant stories that spark conversation and join existing conversations.
• Monitor social media, Google Trends and historically popular topics through Parse.ly to determine how best to capture a wide audience.
• Track performance metrics to understand what resonates with our audience and inform future coverage.
• Follow SEO and platform best practices to optimize reach and impact.
• Be flexible and willing to shift priorities quickly as news develops.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One to two years of experience in journalism with a strong foundation in news writing and reporting and ability to shoot and edit videos and stills.
• Mastery of SEO and social media and using it to promote your work and interact with readers.
• Self-motivation and self-direction.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with colleagues, sources and the community.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.