Job Description

Reporter covering news for Cortez, Colorado

The Journal is seeking a Reporter in Cortez, Colorado. The ideal candidate will be able to hit the ground running, have the ability to cut through the jargon, distill complex issues, and tell complex stories. Cortez in the politically diverse and changing southwestern corner of Colorado, surrounded by mesas, mountains, desert and high plateaus. Year-round recreational opportunities abound. This position would cover government, environment, and education and breaking news in Southwest Colorado for The Journal. We are part of the family-owned Ballantine Communications Inc. media organization. BCI operates multiple businesses including The Durango Herald and The Journal newspapers in southwestern Colorado, a phone directory, various magazines and a digital advertising agency. Our newsrooms have a deep commitment and proud tradition of community journalism.

Scope:

Reporters at BCI entities (The Durango Herald, and The Journal) are focused on readership and a growing online audience. We publish three printed editions per week in Durango and one per week in Cortez. A full-time photographer/ videographer is on staff, but reporters frequently are required to provide photos for their stories.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Grow audiences by delivering well-written content;
• Perform research on different topics;
• Analyze and interpret findings by breaking down data;
• Beat reporting: deliver a wide range of work that covers all aspects: daily stories, profiles, news features, exclusive news and watchdog reports;
• Uncover newsworthy stories/breaking news;
• Interview key people (witnesses, sources etc.);
• Write content with readers needs in mind;
• Ensure your pieces are accurate and objective;
• Establish contacts and sources to use in future research;
• Maintain notes in written or electronic form;
• Contribute to content idea generation for publication;
• Stay up-to-date with local, national and international affairs;
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• Bachelor s degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field.
• Previous journalism experience is preferred, but recent college graduates will be considered. Please include five (5) samples of your work.
• Ability to meet deadlines;
• Multimedia/social media knowledge and experience.
• Knowledge of photography when staff photographer is not available.
• Broadly applied software including Google products, and photography skills (video skills preferred but not required).
• English Language Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Communications and Media Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
• Law and Government Knowledge of laws, legal codes, court procedures, precedents, government regulations, executive orders, agency rules, and the democratic political process.
• Telecommunications Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

BCI offers a comprehensive benefit plan, consisting of medical, dental, vision, ancillary plans, 401(k), vacation and holiday benefits.

Pay: $35,000 - $45,000 depending on experience

BCI is an equal opportunity employer.

Ballantine Communications, Inc.