Breaking and trending reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly‑owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses.

We deliver high‑quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, Locali

Q, supports small and medium‑sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions.

We need a digital‑first breaking and trending reporter for the Breaking News team at The Courier Journal to find and report top news of the day. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and strong news judgment with quick writing and reporting skills. The reporter will juggle stories while focusing on digital details of production: headlines, SEO, multimedia assets, and other optimization points.

The Courier Journal is one of the largest newsrooms in the USA TODAY Network and is an 11‑time Pulitzer Prize‑winning news organization in a metro area known for its nationally recognized chefs and restaurants; vibrant music scene, including Bourbon & Beyond and Louder Than Life music festivals; world‑class bourbon distilleries; and Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby. The quality of life is sky‑high and the cost of living is impressively low.

• Report quickly, clearly and accurately.
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies, including SEO.
• Identify top trending stories based on analytics and audience potential, specific to attracting search and social audiences.
• Work with editors to experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and alternate story forms, including evergreen content.
• Monitor real‑time news and sniff out the most important and fascinating stories important to our audiences.
• Demonstrate fast news judgment on an ongoing basis.

• Bachelor's in communications, journalism or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two or more years of journalism experience preferred.
• Experience using social media accounts to identify stories a plus.
• Ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre‑employment, post‑offer background check.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• 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.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co.

employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at  Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.

Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.