National Trending News Reporter

National Trending News Reporter, USA TODAY

Req #45351

Virtual•

United States

Job Description:

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.     To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com

National Trending News Reporter – USA TODAY

USA TODAY is seeking a Trending News Reporter focused on finding and reporting on the top news of the day.   

Breaking News Reporters identify and report on timely stories of interest to our audiences using news judgment, the latest trends, metrics and social tools to find stories that will resonate.  

We want someone who can work calmly under tight deadlines, deliver scoops, write quickly, make a lot of phone calls, dig up documents, be creative, think about storytelling on different platforms and deliver sharp headlines. Someone willing to learn new skills is great.    

They are also comfortable with live blogs, listicles, quick enterprise stories and excel at SEO. This person will work regularly with reporters and editors across the USA TODAY Network to identify national stories and publish them on USATODAY.com.   

The ideal Trending News Reporter is interested in a little bit of everything and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight. 

Possible sub beats include consumer tech, money and retail, and quirky stories.  

The position requires working one weekend day for a schedule of either Tuesday-Saturday or Sunday-Thursday and sometimes helping out on holidays.

This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska and Hawaii. 

Responsibilities:  

• Identify and report on top national news stories of the day and monitor real-time news.  
• Write and report quickly and accurately, doggedly chasing down tips and trying to answer readers’ questions.  
• Work with coworkers to deliver news via stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other methods available to reach our audience.  
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies.    

Requirements:   

• Bachelor's degree in journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Minimum of 2 years' reporting/newsroom experience.   
• Proven ability to file quickly and accurately.  
• Strong command of grammar and style.  
• Passionate and enthusiastic about viral news, breaking news and important topics of the day.  
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-moving, intense situations. Also comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.  
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.  
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.  
• Collaborate well with others and work with a team – including teammates and colleagues who are remote.  
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism 

Application Instructions

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 outlining how you would approach the role.
3. Links to no more than three published stories, writing samples.  

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.  

#Newsgnt

#LI-Remote

The hourly rate for this role will range between $25.48 and $39.81. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.