East County Reporter

JOB DESCRIPTION& SPECIFICATIONSVoice of SanDiego is seeking a reporter to investigate and follow stories in the cities andneighborhoods in East County, including but not limited to El Cajon, La Mesa,Santee, Lemon Grove, Poway, Pauma Valley, Jacumba, Ramona, Borrego Springs,Jamul, Spring Valley and Alpine. This reporter will explain and dig intopressing policy, government and regional issues. The reporter will also taketime to draw out the stories and characters who are shaping the communities'future. The impacts of decisions made by political leaders are often hard tofollow and we have made it our mission to translate and explain them. Thisreporter will do that by gathering and analyzing facts through interviews,investigations and observations. Our smallnewsroom cannot afford to cover every story. We have distinguished ourselves bydigging deeply into specific storylines that illuminate San Diego how it is. Wetry to make sense of what leaders are saying and uncover what they don't want revealed.

We encourage reporters to be creative in how they approach stories, and, overtime, this reporter could develop into a leading light. The reportershould expect to cover local governments and institutions and explorecommunities that are not often covered or individuals with stories we don'toften read in the news. This reporter will produce the East County Report on aweekly basis. Sometimes people do make positive changes and overcomelongstanding challenges and we hope to tell those stories as well. Voice of SanDiego has a unique approach to local journalism. We encourage conversational,engaging writing. We believe complexity is a form of elitism and thatjournalists are educators to help residents understand their communities,public policy discussions, plans and finances. We are lookingfor someone who

• Brings new perspective and ideas to thenewsroom from experience in journalism and other pursuits
• Has experience writing and reporting onlocal politics, neighborhoods and communities and how broader economic, policyand environmental forces affect them.

Voice of SanDiego has been a pioneering investigative, nonprofit news organization for 21years. Our writers have the freedom and responsibility to tackle the biggestissues in the region. We believe San Diego is strong enough to face its mostuncomfortable and intractable problems. But we also seek to educate, enlightenand entertain readers who care about San Diego's future and want an excellentand just government. See our Guidelinesfor New Reporters for more about our unique approach. Compensation is commensurate with experience. Minimum salary is $70,000.Compensation includes health, life, and disability insurance plus a 401ksavings plan and company match. To apply, submit your resume, cover letter and work samples to VOSD_HR@voiceofsandiego.org.

ESSENTIAL DUTIESAND RESPONSIBILITIES

include thefollowing:1. Write stories on topics assigned and/or approvedby the Managing Editor.2. Write and assist with daily, weekly and biweeklynewsletters.3. Form concepts for feature stories.4. Respond to breaking news developments.5. Meet regularly with editors to discusspriorities, updates, potential stories and deadlines.6. Check reference materials such as books, newsfiles, and public records including criminal and civil court files foradditional relevant facts.7. Take photographs or request photographic supportto improve story coverage.8. Develop and maintain productive, informative andrespectful relationships that support the achievement of Voice of San Diego'smission statement.9. Follow all company and department policies andprocedures.10. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

None

QUALIFICATIONREQUIREMENTS

To perform this job successfully, anindividual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Therequirements following this paragraph are representative of the knowledge,skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enableindividuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EDUCATION and/or

EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degreein journalism, English, communications or a related/equivalent degree; or experiencereporting and writing at a news organization.
• Demonstrableunderstanding of libel and public records law.
• Experience writingand publishing for digital platforms in a fast paced, daily newsroom.

COMPETENCIES

• Judgment
• Displays willingness to make decisions;exhibits sound and accurate judgment. Supports and explains reasoning forjudgment.
• Professionalism
• Approaches others in a tactful manner; reacts well under pressure; followsthrough on commitments.
• Dependability
• Takesresponsibility for own actions; keeps commitments; commits to long hours ofwork when necessary to reach goals.
• Initiative
• Looksfor and takes advantage of opportunities.
• Organizationalsupport
• Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative taskscorrectly and on time; supports organization's goals and values.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to readand interpret all forms of news (print newspapers, online publications,magazines, etc.), general business periodicals, professional journals,technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Advanced writing andcommunication skills; must write clearly and concisely; be accurate andunbiased. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questionsfrom groups or individuals. Must be able to communicate with individuals whohave differing educational backgrounds and cultural norms. Ability to speak alanguage other than English is preferred, but not required.

COMPUTER SKILLS

Typing ability on a computer is essential. A good command of MSOffice applications, keyboarding, email applications and other computer skillsrequired.

MATHEMATICALSKILLS

Basic mathematical skills such as theability to add, subtract, multiply and divide in all units of measure, usingwhole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio,and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described herein are representative of thosethat must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functionsof this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals withdisabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularlyrequired to sit, stand, walk, talk or hear. The employee is frequently requiredto use hands to type on a computer keyboard as well as finger, handle, or feelobjects, tools, or controls; reach with hands and arms; sit; climb or balance;stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; bend, lift and climb stairs while carryingsupplies or equipment. The employee is occasionally required to taste and/orsmell. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision,distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and theability to adjust focus. The employee frequently sits for long periods of time at a desk in anoffice. The employee may be required to stand for over an hour and observemeetings, people and events. The employee must frequently lift and/or move upto 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

AT-WILL:

The individualhired in this role will be at-will and will be subject to termination by theemployee or the Company, with or without cause, with or without notice, and atany time.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT

(ADA) STATEMENTThe Company will provide reasonableaccommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personalassistance) with the application process upon your request as required tocomply with applicable laws. If you have a disability and require assistance inthis application process, please contact Julianne Markow at 619-550-5673.To perform this job successfully, anindividual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals withdisabilities to perform the essential functions.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

(EEO) STATEMENTThe Company is an equal opportunityemployer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration foremployment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexualorientation, gender or gender identity, national origin, disability status, protectedveteran status or any other characteristic protected by state or federal law.