Description
Housing affordability and availability news and enterprise reporter :
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution’s mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia and the South. To achieve that mission, we are investing and transforming our organization from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company. We are the largest and most influential local news organization in Georgia and a regional influence in politics and culture.
We are seeking a talented, proven reporter to join our team covering housing affordability and availability. If selected, you will be expected to cover a local housing crisis, expose significant barriers to adequate and appropriate housing and watchdog the agencies and programs responsible for addressing housing policy. You will also write on court cases involving government or corporate harm; identify and write on noteworthy trends in housing, cover solutions that are working in other communities and provide explainers and perspectives that illuminate the human cost and damage of inadequate affordable housing.
An ideal fit for this job has experience covering housing or other government and public policy, courts or other agencies; is skilled with accountability journalism and can translate policy to community concerns and engage residents and readers. This reporter will build a deep base of sources in local, state and federal government and in social service organizations involved in housing assistance.
If selected, you must be able to develop strong, reader-focused story ideas and write about complex concepts with accuracy, clarity and authority. You must be skilled at delivering breaking news, smart, engaging enterprise and accountability reporting, serving readers in print and digital editions.
You must have the ability to prioritize and self-start; build sources; and help maintain rigorous standards for fairness and accuracy. Because you will work with a local team that includes city and county reporters who cover policy and local officials, a collaborative spirit and ability to work well with teammates is essential.
Beat description :
Metro Atlanta has a housing affordability crisis, with studies showing the area is the most overvalued out of the top 100 markets in the U.S. and that not one of the 13 counties in the metro area qualifies as an affordable housing market. While various local governments have launched housing affordability initiatives, they fall far short of the need.
If you are selected for this beat, you will cover a range of housing affordability issues, policies and organizations. This is not a poverty beat alone; this story deeply affects the middle class, young professionals, lower-paid workers, retirees and others. Among relevant issues: barriers to home buyers and renters; how private investors are snatching up homes and squeezing out families, and how an influx of high-wage earners also are making it more difficult for low and mid-income people to afford appropriate housing; the lack of starter homes, and the impact of property taxes. Also relevant: the years-long wait lists for subsidized housing; local responses to homelessness and substandard housing conditions for tenants. You will monitor local government housing initiatives, local housing authorities and state and federal agencies involved in housing with a watchdog approach.
Other key skills and abilities :
• Shows strong news judgment and the ability to enterprise.
• Demonstrates strong research skills, including knowledge of digital searching techniques and of websites relevant to consumer-related topics.
• Accurately reflects the points of view of all significant players.
• Uses data skills to identify potential topics and analyze them. Can use public records law to obtain information.
• Understands and uses metrics/audience analytics tools to shape coverage and grow audience.
• Uses time effectively to meet deadlines and produce an appropriate amount of work; is organized and able to juggle multiple stories simultaneously.
• Provides needed communication across the newsroom and collaborates effectively.
• Plans or takes photos and video; collects audio.
The responsibilities above are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for this position.
Position Requirements
Education:
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College degree preferred.
Experience:
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3 years of professional journalism; comparable experience through other roles will be considered for outstanding candidates.
*Additional experience, skills and qualifications may qualify an applicant for a higher-graded reporter role.
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Strong record of serving audiences in a fast-paced, productive environment that is shaped by research, audience metrics and audience needs in print and in digital.
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Demonstrated ability to produce authoritative coverage without reporting gaps and clean, clear copy with minimum of supervision.
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Fluency in another language other than English a plus.
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Additional Requirements
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Reliable internet access required to work remotely.
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Permanent residence in metro Atlanta required.
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Local travel required. Therefore, a successful candidate will need a reliable vehicle to cover the news.
About Cox
Cox empowers employees to build a better future and has been doing so for over 120 years. With exciting investments and innovations across transportation, communications, cleantech and healthcare, our family of businesses – which includes Cox Automotive and Cox Communications – is forging a better future for us all. Ready to make your mark? Join us today!
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Benefits of working at Cox may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit our benefits page.
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer - All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual’s age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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