Jackson Free Press

Updated March 1, 2017

News Reporter: Jackson Free Press

The Jackson Free Press is taking resumes for a reporter based in Jackson, Mississippi. The successful candidate will be responsible for covering government, politics, community concerns, criminal justice and related issues for the Jackson Free Press. Intense interest in local and state issues is vital. Must be interested in more than the horse race of politics—and have the energy to dig out the “why” and the “how.” We are seeking a candidate who is a great narrative writer, or who has the desire to become the best writer possible and get far beyond the inverted pyramid.

Who is the right candidate? Someone who has the passion to tell the truth no matter what and who is willing to dig deep into documents, as well as interview as many people as necessary to do so. You need to be self-directed and focused, but still be part of a larger news team. You also need to be multi-media-savvy, with a desire and ability to use all social-media tools possible to get the story out; experience with video a plus, although not required. Must enjoy fast-paced job with little down time during the work day and have a fire in your belly for great journalism and shoe-leather reporting.

With a keen eye toward breaking news, in-depth reported features and explanatory reporting, this person will write two to four short news stories per week for the JFP daily newsletter, daily blog posts and one to two enterprising news stories for publication in the weekly print edition. This person would also contribute in-depth, long-form (3,000- to 5,000-word) cover stories, which range from extended Q&As with newsmakers to data-driven reported narratives every four to six weeks, in addition to one to two magazine features for BOOM Jackson magazine every quarter.

We're looking for a curious, persistent, organized and disciplined reporter with an interest in narrative storytelling with a positive attitude and spirit and who enjoys working with and being accountable to a passionate team. The ideal candidate has at least one year of reporting experience or is a recent journalism graduate with strong writing and reporting skills and good references. The start date on this position is open.

Other requirements include:

• Interest in reporting on issues in the Deep South and a desire to improve communities through high-impact journalism

• Burning desire to learn and improve skills daily

• A sense of urgency about news, the need for context and high standards

• Excellent organizational, time-management and communication skills

• The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects

• Proactive reporting that enables both draft and final deadlines to be met

• Comfort representing the Jackson Free Press in the community, including at neighborhood events, and networking with community members

• Developing story ideas and working independently

• Access to an automobile, a valid driver's license and insurance

• Willingness to work in a systems-driven environment with source logging and other shared tools

• Having fun in a collaborative team environment

The following skills are a plus:

• Experience working with content management systems

• Knowledge of SEO and understanding of online analytics

• Training in data reporting, computer-assisted reporting

• Skills in video, audio, photography and various multimedia tools

Email a cover letter, resume and your three best samples (links or PDFs) to [email protected]

Jackson Free Press Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

News Intern: Jackson Free Press (paid)

The Jackson Free Press is taking resumes for a news intern based in Jackson, Mississippi. The successful candidate will learn to cover government, politics, community concerns, criminal justice and related issues for the Jackson Free Press. Intense interest in local and state issues is vital. Must be interested in more than the horse race of politics—and have the energy to dig out the “why” and the “how.” We are seeking a candidate who is a great narrative writer, or who has the desire to become the best writer possible and get far beyond the inverted pyramid.

Who is the right candidate? Someone who has the passion to tell the truth no matter what, and who is willing to dig deep into documents, as well as interview as many people as necessary to do so. You need to be self-directed and focused, with an amazing attitude and good time-management skills. It’s helpful to be multi-media-savvy, with a desire and ability to use all social-media tools possible to get the story out; experience with video a plus, although not required. Must enjoy a fast-paced environment and have a fire in your belly for great journalism and shoe-leather reporting.

Your responsibilities can include breaking news, in-depth reported features and explanatory reporting. You might write short news stories per week for the JFP daily newsletter, news blog posts and enterprising news stories for publication in the weekly print edition. This person could also contribute in-depth, long-form (3,000- to 5,000-word) cover stories, which range from extended Q&As with newsmakers to data-driven reported narratives, in addition to magazine features for BOOM Jackson every two months.

We're looking for a curious, persistent, organized and disciplined intern with an interest in narrative storytelling with a positive attitude and spirit and who enjoys working with and being accountable to a passionate team. The ideal candidate has some reporting experience or journalism training with strong writing and reporting skills and good references. The start date on this position is immediate.

Other requirements include:

• Interest in reporting on issues in the Deep South and a desire to improve communities through high-impact journalism

• Burning desire to learn and improve skills daily

• A sense of urgency about news, the need for context and high standards

• Excellent organizational, time-management and communication skills

• The ability to work under tight deadlines and manage multiple projects

• Developing story ideas and working independently

• Access to an automobile, a valid driver's license and insurance

• Willingness to work in a systems-driven environment with source logging and other shared tools

• Having fun in a collaborative team environment

• Email a cover letter, resume and your three best samples (links or PDFs) to [email protected] to apply for this paid internship. The internship may be full- or part-time depending in your availability, but will require set hours.