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Deep South Today · 1 day ago

Jackson Reporter

Jackson, MS

Full-time

Onsite

Entry, Mid Level

$60K/yr - $60K/yr

Deep South Today is a nonprofit newsroom based in Jackson, seeking a driven reporter to join their team. The role involves uncovering systemic issues, engaging in political and cultural reporting, and creating impactful stories that resonate with the community.

Online Media

Hiring Manager

Dylan Penny

Responsibilities

Enterprise reporting focused on uncovering systemic issues within government and policy. The bigger the impact of your reporting on government leaders or systems, the better

Political reporting covering not only high-profile candidates for offices, but experience delving into issues and ideas that affect a community, such as privatization of public services, the degradation of local democracy, distrust in institutions and the causes of systemic poverty, highlighting those who profit from it

Cultural reporting that highlights the often-overlooked success stories of citizens who are making a positive impact on their communities

Strong understanding of Jackson (or similar large urban centers) and the unique challenges facing the city and its residents

Commitment to the mission of balanced, impactful journalism that centers and respects the voice of the community

Collaborative mindset and ability to work within a team-oriented newsroom

Work with a team of journalists who are focused on social inequities and racial equality in our area

Willingness to collaborate closely with a team of like-minded journalists and execute deeply-reported stories

Apply critical thinking when attending news events, have an affinity for specificity and maintain an eye towards compelling narrative leads

Get people to talk, find willing sources and protect them while telling sensitive and timely stories

Build trust: Many people who have been impacted by inequities in Mississippi have been victims of predatory practices and forces. This will require empathy, patience and savvy

Work with our Audience Team and data and visual journalists to create compelling story presentations

Qualification

Enterprise reportingPolitical reportingCultural reportingData analysisDigital journalismSource cultivationPublic records gatheringSocial media engagementTeam collaborationCritical thinking

Required

Experience working as a reporter in a newsroom

Ability to work quickly, with accuracy and good news judgment

Ability to independently develop and cultivate sources and a desire to make regular cold calls and conduct in-depth interviews

Ability to gather and analyze public records and data

Ability to file clean, accurate copy on deadline

Ability to write concise, clear headlines to accompany a story

Comfortability in digital or multimedia journalism spaces

Ability to use social media for research and to engage readers

Preferred

Enterprise reporting focused on uncovering systemic issues within government and policy. The bigger the impact of your reporting on government leaders or systems, the better

Cultural reporting that highlights the often-overlooked success stories of citizens who are making a positive impact on their communities

Strong understanding of Jackson (or similar large urban centers) and the unique challenges facing the city and its residents

Commitment to the mission of balanced, impactful journalism that centers and respects the voice of the community

Collaborative mindset and ability to work within a team-oriented newsroom