What are the responsibilities and job description for the Race and Inequity Reporter position at McClatchy?
Through exceptional nuanced storytelling, the weight of watchdog reporting and community engagement efforts, The Charlotte Observer Race and Inequity Reporter illuminates the city's most pressing challenges on race, justice and inequity and brings progress to the most vulnerable among us.
This reporter will use the power of narrative to uplift communities and also provide a platform for the voices of those in closest proximity to the ill-effects of historical and contemporary practices that contribute to disadvantages.
With expert data and records accountability reporting and nurtured sourcing, issues such as healthcare disparities, educational inequities, poverty impacts, emotional trauma, physical danger, housing access and uneven criminal justice will be covered with depth and sensitivity.
This reporter will look for stories of success, ingenuity and solutions, and show the full lived experiences of people of color, LGBTQ communities, immigrants and people diligently working for change in Charlotte.
This reporter will grow our digital audience among communities of color by building trust over time through powerful journalism that directly connects with issues that resonate within these communities. Framing stories with this audience in mind is critical, as is keeping a close eye on metrics to see what coverage resonates and which stories don’t, and using that information to make smart decisions.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
Strong grounding in journalism ethics, and an unwavering commitment to accurate and ethical journalism.
Must have solid news judgment. and broad knowledge of headlines.
An understanding of audience trends and digital media. Ability to correctly identify audiences for selected stories. Ability to use social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter to reach audiences
Understanding of how to use analytics such as subscriber conversion, page views, time on site and referral sources to help determine which stories resonate with which audiences.
Ability to prioritize and to work under and meet short- and long-deadlines in a fast-paced, data-driven work environment and to accurately fact-check information
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and team player skills.
- Excellent communication and active listening skills.
- Ability to interact professionally and build relationships and develop sources with a diverse array of people.
- Ability to work well, be professional and courteous with a variety of editors, staff at all levels, and the public.
- Ability to work a flex schedule including nights and weekend.
- Must be able to work remotely while contributing to a team environment
- Regular and reliable attendance.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Bachelor's degree (B.A. or B.S.) from a four-year college or university; preferably in journalism, or the equivalent education, experience, skills and knowledge needed to perform the tasks and responsibilities of the position.
Three to five years related newsroom experience and/or training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Preferred qualifications: Experience centering concerns of communities of color through reporting, research and community engagement.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Results-driven
Goal-oriented. Acts with urgency. Strives for successful outcomes in serving readers. Tackles problems and unlocks opportunities through the generation and support of new ideas and solutions.
Communication
Engaged listening; creates a commitment to action by presenting ideas in a clear, concise manner
Teamwork
Works harmoniously with colleagues and instills teamwork across the newsroom. Shares critical information works effectively across functional lines, recognizes others for their contributions. Handles self professionally.
Initiative
Identifies what needs to be done and takes appropriate action. Innovates creates and looks for solutions that will benefit the business.
Personal accountability
Performs work in a timely manner with consistent attention to quality. Follows through and meets all commitments. Manages time and resources effectively. Shows sound decision-making.
Integrity/Ethics
Understands and upholds corporate and company ethics policies. Demonstrates a high standard of fairness in all dealings. Honors commitments. Acts in the best interest of the organization. Leads by example. Treats all people with fairness, honesty, respect, compassion and dignity.
Continuous learning and improvement
Seeks out opportunities to improve skill for current responsibilities and future needs. Embraces new technology, systems and assignments. Considers feedback openly and adapts behavior as needed.
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS:
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Works in a deadline-driven, fast-paced position that requires accuracy and the ability to meet multiple deadlines.
Has to be able to focus on tasks, possess analytical ability, and ability to manage shifting priorities.
Requires ability to move from one location to another, sitting, standing, bending, talking, hearing, use of near, mid-range and far vision. Frequently required to sit or stay in a stationary position.
Frequently required to communicate effectively and provide information to coworkers, managers and our audience verbally and/or in person, via email, in written form, via telephone, or by video conferencing applications.
Constantly uses a computer, which may require prolonged keyboarding and use of a mouse.
Employee may work more than his/her scheduled number of hours and may work non-traditional business hours.
Must be able to drive to locations to conduct an interview.
Regular and reliable attendance is required.
Valid Driver’s license and vehicle insurance (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).
#LI-JC1
