Local Government Accountability Reporter

|Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps|

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com



Local Government Accountability Reporter

The Argus Leader/argusleader.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover local government, often through a state political lens, without bogging down in day-to-day politics covered by area competition.

The government accountability reporter will primarily cover the Sioux Falls City Council and two county governments, with the occasional smaller municipality as well. They will use what happens at the state level to carve out local coverage about how state policy affects southeastern South Dakota residents.

The position will help put context to issues in the fastest growing city in the Midwest, and the largest city in South Dakota as well as have the potential to help supplement state coverage for two of Gannett’s smaller publications in South Dakota.

This position may also help provide national coverage during Election seasons, given South Dakota’s recent ranking as the No. 2 best state to be in, according to U.S. News & World Report, and high-level politicians from here are actively helping shape the future of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Either way, because this is the state’s most populous area, much of what is decided at the state and national level has direct and immediate through-lines to how our city functions based on taxpayer money. The lifeblood of this position is an ability to find Sioux Falls residents impacted by state policies and to tell their stories in ways that engage and enlighten our audience.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, the ability to analyze data, and will shape stories around the impact on communities rather than political actors. There may also be a necessity to travel to and occasionally cover politics at our Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to assist with Reuters' wire services.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues
• Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Performs other duties as necessary.
  
  

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
• Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to enhance your work with video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.
• Understanding of social media and its uses.
• Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on feedback from data.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.
• Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
• This job includes some evening and weekend work.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
  
  

Application Instructions

About

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, please submit:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
  
  

Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

#Newsgnt

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.