Reporter

The Gaston Gazette / gastongazette.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a general assignment reporter to cover Gaston County. This beat focuses on a variety of high-interest topics, including local government, food and dining, growth and development and breaking news.  

We’re looking for a reporter who can research, write and report compelling journalism (in-depth exclusive enterprise, database journalism and storytelling of interest) that continuously grows our readership.  

We want a self-starter who can find their own stories and pivot as news develops. One day you might be covering breaking crime news, while on another day you might be reporting on a restaurant opening or closing. 

Visuals are a key part of the effort, with the reporter expected to create and curate the best video and photos to accompany their work.  

The Gazette is located in Gastonia, North Carolina, just minutes from Charlotte. Gaston County has a diverse landscape ranging from rural areas to a downtown in the midst of revitalization. The area has a university, community college and a mix of public and private schools. Gaston County regularly welcomes new businesses from boutiques to restaurants, bars and coffee shops. 

Responsibilities: 

• Create storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice in the area.
• Write both quick-turn stories on news of the day as well as more in-depth enterprise stories.
• Plan and execute engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media.
• Connect with the community through outreach and engagement (social media, forums, community leadership, etc.).
• Collaborate with the content team to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Produce basic photos and video as needed.
• Promote your personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institution. 
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions. 

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• One year of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of 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 X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• 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 & urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only). 

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. 

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

1. 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.