Technology and Journalism Reporter (Remote)

University of Missouri-Columbia; Columbia Township (MO); Remote; USD 54,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Missouri-Columbia, based at the Reynolds Journalism Institute in Columbia, MO, is seeking a full-time reporter to cover the evolving intersection of journalism and technology. The role focuses on local news ethics, digital publishing, and audience engagement.

The position is grant-funded and fully remote, requiring weekly articles and newsletters, with occasional travel to conferences or the UM campus in Columbia.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years of professional writing experience preferred.
• Knowledge of AP style and brand-specific style guidelines.
• Understanding of digital news publishing workflows and technology as it relates to production and sharing of news.
• Experience writing for newsletter products.

Responsibilities

• Report and write weekly coverage on journalism and technology.
• Plan and write email newsletters for the Help Desk's audience.
• Use Google Documents and WordPress to work with editors.
• Collaborate with editors and staff to report on emerging trends in journalism.
• Distill complex technical information into accessible content for journalists and publishers.

Skills

News writing

Newsletter writing

Tech journalism

Distill complexity

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

WordPress

Google Docs

Job description

Hiring Department

Reynolds Journalism Institute

Job Description

News Media Help Desk, which is based at the Reynolds Journalism Institute in Columbia, Missouri, is seeking an expert writer for a full‑time reporting position that will cover the constantly evolving landscape where journalism and technology meet. The ideal candidate must have a deep understanding of the local news industry - including ethics, standards and business operations - as well as an understanding of technology and its effect on how audiences find and consume news online.

This grant‑funded position will report and write weekly coverage for an audience of journalism professionals. They will also launch a weekly newsletter and help plan and manage the Help Desk's existing monthly newsletter. The goal of their coverage and these two newsletter products is to help news publishers navigate changes in technology that affect the sustainability of local news.

The person hired for this role must be able to distill complex technical information into an easy‑to‑understand format, while prioritizing actionable insights that support local news operations. They must also:

• be able to spot emerging technology or tech platform changes that journalists and publishers need to be aware of,
• regularly pitch, report and write on deadline,
• be comfortable being an expert voice within the journalism industry,
• and be knowledgeable about digital issues local newsrooms are navigating.

This position is fully remote but must be able to be accessible online from roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central) to collaborate with other Help Desk staff. The role may also include some paid travel to industry conferences, other events and the University of Missouri campus in Columbia. Networking with journalists, editors, producers, news executives and technologists will be a key to success in reporting this beat. Also, this person should be comfortable experimenting with emerging technology, like AI, to learn about it and report on takeaways from using it. That said, all writing published in the Help Desk should originate from the reporter, not generative AI writing tools.

Responsibilities include:

• Reporting and writing at least one article a week on the journalism and technology beat.
• Planning and writing email newsletters for the Help Desk's audience.
• Using Google documents and WordPress to work with editors.
• Using communication and productivity tools to message and collaborate with editors and other staff.
• Interacting with Help Desk staff, journalists and news leaders to stay updated on emerging trends in journalism.

Shift

Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm

Location: Must be located in the U.S. This position is fully remote but must be able to be accessible online from roughly 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central time) The role may also include some travel to industry conferences, other events and the University of Missouri campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 3 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred Qualifications

• At least five years of professional writing experience, preferably in a newsroom setting or as part of a team that regularly covers the journalism industry.
• Knowledge of using AP style and brand-specific style guidelines.
• A deep understanding of digital news publishing workflows and technology as it relates to the production and sharing of news.
• An understanding of technology and tech platforms (made by companies like Google, Meta, Anthropic and others) and how they affect news consumption habits.
• Some experience writing technical topics preferred.
• Experience writing for newsletter products.

Anticipated Hiring Range

Salary Range: $53,976 - $75,000 per year. This a grant‑funded position.

Grade: GGS 010

University Title: Senior Strategic Communications Associate

Internal applicants can determine their University title by accessing the Talent Profile tile in myHR.

Benefit Eligibility

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, paid time off, short- and long-term disability, paid parental leave, paid caregiver leave, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/departments-staff/human-resources/benefits-retirement

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Director of Accessibility and ADA at 573-884-7278.

Other Information

News Media Help Desk is a help desk for the journalism industry. This website is a free, centralized hub designed to provide local news organizations with access to essential resources, expert assistance and affordable hands‑on help through Digital On‑Demand Services fractional support. With these resources, the Help Desk aims to guide local news publishers through digital challenges that affect the sustainability of news operations.

The Help Desk is made possible by collaboration between the Reynolds Journalism Institute and the Local Media Consortium. The initiative is also supported by a grant from The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Visit the Help Desk: https://www.newsmediahelpdesk.org/

Sponsorship Information

Employment visa sponsorship is not available for this position.