Position Title: Reporter/Staff Writer
Location: Western USA – Remote / Flexible
About Us
California Energy Markets – our independent and award-winning newsletters covering the energy sector in California – is seeking a full-time reporter who will be responsible for the collection and reporting of news and events from both special assignments and an assigned beat.
NewsData, which publishes multiple newsletters and is a Pioneer Utility Resources subsidiary, offers a competitive salary; a strong benefits package; a professional, respectful, and enriching working environment; and a chance to practice on the cutting edge of business news/information services in an ever-evolving region; and opportunities to expand skills in ancillary services such as podcasting, social media, events and more.
Reporters work remotely and have a flexible schedule, averaging approximately 40 hours per week in this salaried (where permitted by law) position. However, applicants must be available for occasional scheduled and emergency work on evenings and weekends, and also must be willing to work long days when necessary to meet deadlines.
This position requires a detail-oriented, deadline-driven Reporter with the ability to produce and create relevant content weekly. The successful applicant will demonstrate high levels of task management skills, the ability to remain organized, and a capacity for juggling multiple priorities throughout a given week. You will need strong people skills with a clear understanding of how to complete tasks and hit deadlines.
We may each work on our own, but we succeed through our ties with each other and thrive through collaboration!
Responsibilities
Assignments are extremely variable based on season, current events and staffing, but can include:
- Traveling to, observing and investigating breaking events.
- Interviewing individuals involved in newsworthy issues .
- Reviewing and compiling prepared press releases .
- Drafting feature articles, special section articles, and other reports.
- Receiving, compiling and editing dictated or other prepared text .
- Producing professionally written articles as assigned .
- Monitoring regional energy-related agencies' calendars and dockets weekly .
- Providing remote or in-person coverage of agency meetings and events .
- Staying on top of general industry developments in the energy sector across the broader West .
- Being available via phone, email and/or instant messaging during work hours Monday-Friday to communicate with the editor and other colleagues to coordinate coverage.
- Maintaining availability to answer questions, review copy and help with newsletter production.
- Locating publicly available or original graphics and/or photographs for stories.
- Occasionally appearing on NewsData podcasts to discuss energy matters of interest.
- Remotely participating in weekly editorial meetings and monthly company meetings.
- Ensuring quick, accurate delivery of journalistic services.
- Identify opportunities that arise for additional work.
- Manage “quick-turn” assignments and last-minute changes as needed.
- Proofreading/error checking your content.
- Creating new content that will garner positive attention and inspire likes, shares, comments, and other engagement from members at the end of the line.
- Saving your creative files to our shared drive for future reference.
- Being proficient with the use and understanding of social media as directed.
- Additional duties as assigned.
The work must be done in an accurate manner and within the deadline. The Reporter must understand customer service issues, demonstrate progressive learning skills and meet newsroom performance expectations that deal with routine operations.
Skills
- Ability to assist and support others while maintaining independent thought and individual opinions.
- Well-developed research, writing, and reporting skills..
- An ability to develop (or have existing) knowledge and expertise on utility regulation, the larger energy industry, new technologies, and general issues around energy policies, resources, markets and infrastructure in the Pacific Northwest.
- Ability to work in a variety of circumstances and environments.
- Exceptional organizational skills.
- Ability to manage and meet multiple concurrent deadlines.
- Compose, edit, proof and clear accurate stories under strict deadlines.
- Ability to work well in a team or independently, with minimal direction or supervision.
- Resourceful and open-minded
- Willingness to learn new software as needed.
- Attention to detail, including in writing (e.g. spelling, grammar, following style guidelines) and reporting (e.g. fact-checking).
- Excellent communication skills.
- Ability to maintain a positive, service-minded and collaborative approach.
- Ability to promote a supportive and fun working environment.
Reports to
This position reports to the California Energy Markets Managing Editor with a dotted line to the Publisher.
Direct Reports
None (non-managerial – non-supervisory)
Required
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications or related field
- 3 years in a role that demonstrates journalism and editing skills.
- Experience may be substituted for higher education (if applicable).
- Read, write and speak English at a professional level.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Word and ability to edit and work with Word documents.
Desired Attributes
- Proof of ongoing professional development, classes and/or certifications demonstrating continuous learning
- Experience working with Content Management Systems such as BLOX Total CMS
- Proven ability to manage processes and personnel
Notes
- Salary range is anticipated to be $65,000 - $75,000 per year. Actual compensation will be dependent on a variety of factors including experience, geography, and other factors. This will be discussed in the hiring process with leading candidate(s).
- Job Type: Full-time, exempt (where permitted by state law), at-will, remote. Limited after-hours and weekend time may be required during urgent or breaking news events.
- This position will be subject to the following physical demands: sitting approximately 80% of standard workday, standing at desk for approximately 20% of standard workday, ability to lift or carry approximately 50 lbs. (trade shows, office equipment etc.), ability to meet basic physical demands of travel (if necessary).
- Travel may be required for this position, of up to 20% of the time.
Retirement Benefits
Subject to other eligibility requirements, employees working 20 hours or more per week are generally eligible for our 401(k) retirement program through Vanguard beginning with the first of the month after six months of employment.
Health and Wellness Benefits
- So long as your scheduled work hours remain at or above 30 per week, your eligibility to join our healthcare plan through Cigna begins the first of the month after 30 days of employment.
- So long as your scheduled work hours remain at or above 20 per week, your eligibility to join our dental and vision coverages begins the first of the month after your start date.
- So long as your scheduled work hours remain at or above 20 per week, employees are eligible for employer paid ancillary benefits through Mutual of Omaha.
Holiday and PTO
We believe that time away from work is a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle. When rested and energized, team members do better work. NewsData provides full time staff with 12 paid holidays per year (all federal holidays plus the day after Thanksgiving), and a PTO plan that starts at an accrual rate of four weeks per year. Holiday and PTO benefits are prorated for part-time staff.
Equal Employment Opportunity Employer
Thank you for considering NewsData in your job search. NewsData is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or other non-merit-based factors. No applicants will be rejected as a result of a disability or for sincerely held religious beliefs, observances, and practices that, with reasonable accommodation, does not prevent performance of the essential job duties. Any person requiring special accommodation should contact Crissy Dean (Cdean@pioneer.coop) to assist in arrangements.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $65,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid parental leave
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Schedule:
- 8 hour shift
- Monday to Friday
Application Question(s):
- REQUIRED: Please attach a cover letter explaining your unique perspective on energy journalism and why you’re the perfect fit for this opportunity and a portfolio showcasing sophisticated reporting that goes beyond surface-level coverage with at least two samples of your best work. Please type "yes" in the response box and attach your documents to your application.
- REQUIRED: Do you have at least 3 years working as a full-time news reporter for a reputable news organization?
- REQUIRED: Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications or related field?
- REQUIRED: Do you have a proven track record of in-depth, investigative journalism in energy markets or a related field?
- REQUIRED: Do you possess advanced research capabilities with the ability to decode technical energy policy?
Education:
Work Location: Remote
