Breaking News Reporter

Are you passionate about breaking news?

The Ventura County Star/vcstar.com, the leading news organization for a diverse region of 850,000 residents and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for someone who is eager to head to the scene and is quick to file updates from the field. The ideal candidate will be enthusiastic, curious and a self-starter who recognizes that breaking news goes beyond fires and crashes. We want someone who can identify conversation starters and is ready to jump on the story of the day. Must be willing to cover stories outside the breaking news beat and have the ability to juggle longer-term stories between assignments.

The Star is a daily newspaper with a primary focus on digital. We cover all of Ventura County, which includes 10 cities and unincorporated areas. Reporters often have opportunities to collaborate with journalists across California and the nation on enterprise projects and breaking news.

• Report quickly, clearly and accurately and deliver news, via stories, video, social media or any other methods available to reach our audience.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies.
• Identifies top news stories of the day, based on analytics and audience potential.
• Cultivates a beat, knowing the ins/outs of the beat and its key players. Has a genuine interest in people and ability to build trust.
• Writes and/or produces multimedia content that appeals to key audience targets and maximizes user experience on digital and social platforms to reach readers where they spend their time and attention.
• Jump on breaking news. Research, write, report, photograph, video and/or voice a variety of stories.
• Engage on social media with sources and audience.
• Experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms.
• Monitor real-time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences in addition to pursue enterprise/investigative work to uncover stories that no one else is reporting.
• Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis.
• Source development will be critical, cultivating contacts among first responders, police, judges and court staff.

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Some reporting/newsroom experience.
• Experience shooting photos and videos is required and an ability to file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Strong command of grammar and AP 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.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in newsroom.
• Is comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories - not only to share information but also to listen for what the community is talking about.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Ability to speak Spanish is desired.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Able to work occasional nights and weekends as needed by the news cycle.

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 you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.