Public Safety Journalist

Public safety journalist

The Daily Reflector in Greenville, N.C., is seeking a multifaceted journalist to quickly deliver the most accurate, thorough and reliable information about crime, courts and emergency services.

• Be the first to learn about and report major breaking news, including crimes, vehicular crashes, fires and weather emergencies that result in notable public disruption, extensive property damage and loss of life

• Report on the impact crime has on local neighborhoods and residents and concerns people have about law enforcement and public safety initiatives

• Follow criminal and civil cases through the court system and report on major developments, trends, successes and failures

• Track and report on trends in crime, crime-fighting, roadway safety, school and campus safety

• Cover the public safety leadership, changes within important agencies, criticism and controversy 

• Develop features and profiles that show the human side of people involved in public safety

Expectations

Use website data and audience research to drive coverage and help convert casual readers into devoted subscribers

Generate one issue-based enterprise story per quarter and at least three front-page centerpiece stories per quarter

Generate a consistent stream of content for all platforms, including 10 bylined articles a week and multiple briefs

Use AI to generate a regular crime blotter and listings of grand jury indictments and court dispositions

Cultivate deep sources within the community to provide story tips, background, context and commentary

Participate in an emailed newsletter and create a social media strategy to promote content, assist in building sources and stay abreast of breaking news

Use a smartphone to capture images and video that illustrate and complement copy, and create content for digital platforms

Carry out other essential duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

Education: A bachelor's degree in journalism or related field

Experience: At least a year of professional reporting and newsroom experience

Writing: Strong command of grammar and Associated Press (AP) Style; ability to produce clear, concise daily reports and engaging deep dives

Reporting: Ability to dig into public records and use spreadsheets and other tools to produce data-driven reports and to monitor social media for breaking news alerts

Multitasking: Able to manage fast daily deadlines while pursuing long-term enterprise projects

Collaboration: Brainstorm with editors and reporters across multiple sites to develop new stories and approaches to content

Networking and source building: We need someone who isn't afraid to knock on doors and talk with people where news happens, introduce themselves at community events and meetings and get to know people in the know.

Greenville is home to East Carolina University and ECU Health, with an MSA of 180,000. It is 90 minutes from North Carolina’s beaches to the east and Raleigh and the Research Triangle to the west.

To apply, send a resume and writing samples to Bobby Burns at baburns@reflector.com.

Our Parent company, Adams Publishing Group is growing and offers a strong benefit package of health, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, paid vacation and 401K.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.