K-12 Education Reporter

Austin, TX, USA • Texas, USA Req #22289

Tuesday, March 29, 2022

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K-12 Education Reporter

The Austin American-Statesman / statesman.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a competitive, well-organized reporter to cover K-12 schools in the Austin area.

The beat, among the most dynamic in the Austin newsroom, promises to deliver a steady stream of news – from efforts to ban certain books from school libraries to struggles at Austin ISD, the area’s largest, to rein in spending amid dwindling enrollment and declining state funding.

The beat also touches on politics: The leaders of area school districts frequently clash with state leaders over issues such as pandemic safety and books, and most recently, Pride Week. The beat also encompasses state education policy – particularly as it affects local districts – which means keeping an eye on the State Board of Education, the Texas Education Agency, the Legislature and the governor’s office and the attorney general.

The education reporter must juggle both breaking news and in-depth, enterprise stories that illuminate education trends and keep local and state leaders accountable.

The Austin area has long held the status as the fastest-growing metropolitan area in the country of more than 1 million people. New families are moving to the Austin area every day, and many suburban school districts are bursting at the seams, while the Austin district struggles to retain students amid sky-high housing costs in the city’s urban core, and as public charter schools proliferate.

The ideal candidate will have experience covering a demanding beat and spotting larger trends, as well as pursuing accountability journalism. Spanish proficiency is a plus.

Responsibilities :

• Creates coverage that accurately informs, engages, and entertains specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in area of expertise.
• Serve as a public ambassador for our brand through connecting with the community via social media, on camera, in forums, community leadership, etc.
• Works with content strategist to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develops ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborates with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements :

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Works collaboratively within a cross-functional environment.
• Experience developing following around personal journalism through use of social media.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and “publication ready.”
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & drug screen.

How to Apply:

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, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.

2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

3. 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.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

#Content

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