Local Reporter, Phoenix Times · Workplace ago

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination.

And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.

The New York Times launched a newsletter this summer in Minneapolis-St. Paul as a pilot for a new local journalism initiative. We are now expanding, and seeking to hire two entrepreneurial, digital-savvy journalists in Phoenix.

In this role, you will serve as host or contributor to The Local:
Phoenix, a blend of essential and delightful information designed to make readers more connected to their community and more conversant around the news. The newsletter will be a bridge connecting Nashville to the full breadth of The Times and Games, Wirecutter, NYT Cooking and The Athletic. It will showcase high-quality independent journalism from local sources, and partner with Nashville news organizations.

You will help Phoenix natives and newcomers alike understand the forces driving change around them. You will introduce audiences to interesting characters and places; moderate and drive conversation; curate the best locally relevant content from a wide range of sources; and build relationships with readers through callouts, social media and in-person events.

Candidates should be deeply rooted in Phoenix and have significant experience covering the area, whether in news, politics, business, sports, culture or some combination. You must have a clear understanding of what makes their region tick as well as its media ecosystem and audience needs. You do not, however, need a traditional newspaper background — we are interested in storytellers fluent in a variety of forms and platforms.

Experience as a “host” — of a podcast, newsletter, video series or live events — is a plus.

• Work with colleagues to shape the tone, structure and content of The Local:
  Phoenix

• Help select topics of focus, do original reporting, and incorporate items from others on the team

• Read, watch and listen widely and deeply across local media, including influencers, in order to support and showcase the best journalism in the region. When appropriate, partner on coverage and other initiatives with local outlets

• Collaborate with staff of The Local in other cities and New York to maximize reach and impact

• Experiment with formats and content mixes, including Q&A, features, data stories, explainers and visual presentations

• Seek out opportunities to connect with readers and build community, both online and in person

• Shape and maintain The Local's presence on social platforms, looking for opportunities to innovate

• Monitor the latest in how other news organizations and brands are engaging their communities and building fandom, and look for ways to leverage those ideas

• Help develop engagement goals and track our progress against them, using data to inform our understanding of what is working and to seed innovation and experiments

• Represent The Local at community/media events and help plan/run our own

• Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.

• You will report to the Deputy Editorial Director, Newsletters

• 5+ years' experience working in digital storytelling

• Demonstrated superb news judgment, audience-first thinking and experience across breaking news, features,…