Hey, readers. High Ground News is investing in community coverage by hiring a full-time reporter to cover Memphis issues through a neighborhood lens. We're looking for someone who is eager to gain the trust of Memphis residents and write thoughtfully about how Memphis' chronic issues play out at the neighborhood level. You do not need to be a Memphis resident to apply. Please send inquiries, resumes and cover letters to [email protected].
High Ground News is hiring an engagement reporter to cover Memphis neighborhoods.We're looking for a self-directed journalist with a strong knowledge or an eagerness to learn about Memphis' neighborhoods — their history, culture, and challenges they face.
As a community engagement professional, this individual will practice deep listening with Memphis residents. Their beat informants are business owners, community leaders, nonprofits and youth in Memphis neighborhoods. These relationships will need to be cultivated through in-person gatherings and innovative social media campaigns.
The engagement reporter will cover everything from entrepreneurship to housing inequality in Memphis' underreported areas. At High Ground News, we seek to rebalance the news so that Memphians are exposed to stories that help them understand the city’s challenges and better understand that there are people in every neighborhood across Memphis innovating for solutions.
This candidate will bring journalism experience, strong writing skills, a collaborative spirit, a knack for spotting emerging urban trends, cultural competency and a set of connections. The engagement reporter will work closely with the High Ground News managing editor and publisher.
High Ground News is an online magazine of parent company Issue Media Group.
The engagement reporter will need to:
- Work with minimal supervision
- Turn dailies and features under deadline
- Occasionally host the On The Ground podcast
- Participate in in-person events, which range from moderating small brainstorming sessions to large panel discussions
- Work nights and weekends on occasion. Working from home is an option.
- Have a smartphone and a personal computer as you will need to provide your own photography in many cases
Recent clips are necessary to apply. Please include at least two links to your written work in your cover letter.
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Madeline Faber is an editor and award-winning reporter. Her experience as a development reporter complements High Ground's mission to write about what's next for Memphis.