Business and Economic Development Reporter

Business and Economic Development Reporter

The Rocky Mount Telegram in Rocky Mount, N.C., is seeking a multifaceted journalist who can be the most accurate, thorough and quickest source for business and economic development information in our fast-growing community — the first to tell our audience what’s coming to the well-traveled corner.

• Be the first to learn about and report on business openings, expansions and innovations in manufacturing and key sectors

• Be the first to learn about and report on closings and downsizings and their economic impact

• Follow and report on trends in products, employment and growth

• Develop features on how businesses impact the community

• Profile local business leaders and everyday workers and how they impact the community and the people around them

Expectations

• Use data and audience research to drive coverage and help convert casual readers into devoted subscribers

• Generate one issue-based enterprise story per quarter and at least three front-page centerpiece stories per quarter

• Generate a consistent stream of content for all platforms, including 10 bylined articles a week and multiple briefs

• Cultivate deep sources within the community to provide story tips, background and expert context and commentary

• Produce an emailed newsletter and create a social media strategy to promote content, seek input and assist in building sources

• Use a smartphone to capture images and video that illustrate and complement copy, and create content for digital platforms

• Carry out other essential duties as assigned

Qualifications and Skills

Education: A bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, economics or finance

Experience: At least a year of professional reporting or newsroom experience

Writing Skills: Strong command of grammar and Associated Press (AP) Style; ability to produce clear, concise daily reports and engaging deep dives

Analytical Skills: Comfort reading balance sheets, earnings reports, and financial data

Multitasking: Ability to meet fast daily deadlines while pursuing long-term enterprise projects

Collaboration: Brainstorm with editors and reporters across multiple sites to develop new stories and approaches to content

Networking: We need someone who isn't afraid to knock on doors and to introduce themselves at community events and meetings. Get to know people in the know by attending and engaging in Chamber of Commerce events, local Rotary Club meetings and other civic- and business-oriented gatherings.

Nash and Edgecombe counties, or the Twin Counties as we call it, is home to roughly 140,000, with a diversified base of manufacturing, retail, agriculture and food production industries, N.C. Wesleyan University and UNC Health Nash. Rocky Mount serves as the area's commercial and economic development hub, home to established industries and an active small business community. In nearby Kingsboro, a megasite is positioned to land a major employer that could bring up to 1,000 jobs to the region.

To apply: 

Send your resume, cover letter and writing samples to Eugene Tinklepaugh, Editor, at [email protected].

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.