Suburban Growth & Accountability Beat Reporter

Gannett; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 38,000 - 44,000; Full time

Job summary

The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com is seeking a versatile watchdog reporter to cover assigned suburban communities in a fast-paced news environment. The role combines text and video on breaking news, service journalism and enterprise.

A deep curiosity, accountability mindset and ability to build a strong source roster are essential. The reporter will also author newsletters, master local buzz, and use audience metrics to steer coverage.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom.
• Strong communication skills, news judgement and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• SEO skills and proficiency on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram, and experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Experience using artificial intelligence to assist news gathering.
• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.
• Familiarity with using audience metrics to guide coverage.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.

Responsibilities

• Cover assigned suburban communities for The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com.
• Produce text and video coverage of breaking news, service journalism and enterprise.
• Author newsletters highlighting suburban coverage and engage readers as a brand face.
• Infiltrate social media to develop sources and uncover exclusive stories.
• Cover growth, development, data centers, housing, traffic and related topics in a fast-growing area.
• Unravel complex issues using public records and deliver digestible, on-point stories.
• Break down politics and government actions for audiences with metrics-driven coverage.
• Collaborate with a team, cover trending and breaking news, and handle some weekend/night shifts.

Skills

News reporting

Strong writing

News judgment

Headline writing

Interpersonal skills

SEO skills

Social media proficiency

Self-motivation

Mobile journalism

AI for journalism

Multitasking

Teamwork

AP style

Audience metrics

Media law & ethics

Education

Bachelor's or master's in communications or journalism

Tools

iPhone video editing

Job description

The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com is seeking a versatile watchdog reporter to cover assigned suburban communities in a fast-paced news environment. The role combines text and video on breaking news, service journalism and enterprise.

A deep curiosity, accountability mindset and ability to build a strong source roster are essential. The reporter will also author newsletters, master local buzz, and use audience metrics to steer coverage.