Reporter, South Carolina Daily Gazette

Job Description

Join the South Carolina Daily Gazette and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to the people who live it.

 

South Carolina Daily Gazette is dedicated to providing fair, accurate and thorough coverage of what the government is (or isn’t) doing for the people and with their money. We clearly explain how policy is made and ditch politi-speak while connecting readers with what’s happening in their government. We want a reporter who can provide important information to readers about elected officials, how public money is spent, and the ways that policy decisions affect people across the Palmetto State.

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news network, the Daily Gazette is based in Columbia and reports on how state government shapes the daily lives of South Carolinians from Greenville to Charleston. The team covers the Legislature, governor’s office, state agencies, elections and other assignments. Reporters produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos, and share content on social media.

The ideal candidate will know how to track trending topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. The reporting will take readers beyond press releases, providing a deeper understanding of state government. They will tell stories that aren’t being told, bring fresh perspectives to state issues, and amplify the voices of communities that have been marginalized.

 

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on South Carolina state government and officials
• Contribute regularly to outlet’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and to share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content, presence and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories

 

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The salary for this position starts at $52,000 and rises with experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum healthcare for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of paid parental leave
• Full-service EAP
• Annual DeleteMe subscription

Laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom.

 

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive. We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat.

States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (student journalism counts), sound news judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Knowledge of South Carolina’s political landscape and leaders, previous digital, photography and/or videography experience, and an entrepreneurial spirit are strong assets. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID within 30 days of hire.

​HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume with three professional references, and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com.

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