Michigan labor/state workers reporter at USA TODAY Co. in Lansing, MI

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Michigan labor/state workers reporter: The Lansing State Journal/lsj.com is seeking a journalist who is passionate about labor and issues of importance to the state of Michigan’s workforce as well as other unionized employees in healthcare, K-12 education and at Michigan State University. This beat is framed around the state’s 53,000 state workers, about 15,000 of which live and work in the Lansing area. This is not a traditional state government reporting position focused on the Legislature or the news of the day from the Capitol. Rather, it’s focused on staffing levels, working conditions, pay, benefits, work-from-home, state office space and other issues involving the state workforce. The successful candidate is expected to be able to attract audience locally and across the state by drilling in on issues that are critical to the state’s workforce. The beat also includes some degree of state politics on a local level for the Greater Lansing region, which includes 12 state legislators and two U.S. House seats.
We’re looking for an experienced journalist who can balance daily journalism with enterprise and investigative reporting, someone who can identify high-interest issues on the beat, cut through the political messaging and produce explanatory and revelatory journalism that is meaningful to readers. The reporter will be expected to identify trends across the region and state, pivot between different topics and consistently produce content that resonates with current readers and helps grow our audience, especially within underserved communities.
The reporter must be attuned to political trends, alliances and influence in polarizing times and deliver coverage that holds public officials accountable and helps readers make informed decisions about their community.
This beat is one of the lead investigative positions in our newsroom. The reporter must excel at developing professional sources, identifying important details in public documents, using FOIA to uncover records and have a dedication to relentless accuracy. The reporter must consistently – and persistently – dig below the surface and bring clarity to the issues they are covering.
The reporter must be able to work collaboratively and effectively in a team with reporters who cover business and development, crime and courts, regional communities, trending news, local government and other topics, and demonstrate an awareness of and adherence to the highest journalistic ethical standards.

Responsibilities:
• Identifies key issues through source development, data analysis and document reporting.
• Shapes coverage with independent judgment and strategic insight.
• Collaborates closely with editors to set priorities and deadlines.
• Produces high impact, multi platform work with a disciplined approach.
• Uses audience metrics to inform coverage plans and meet reader needs.
• Writes clearly and concisely, with strong nut graphs and clear relevance.
• Develops and executes distribution and optimization strategies.
• Delivers strong reader service, helping audiences find answers and solutions.
• Builds trust and credibility within the coverage area.
Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of reporting experience.
• Energetic self-starter and quick thinker who can identify stories that matter.
• Ability to multitask and perform well in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, with experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills with knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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 that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what 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.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.