Write stories covering a wide range of topics, including feature pieces, education, local government and crime. Cultivate leads and establish working relationships with sources. Work closely with editors and photographers to coordinate story and photo assignments. Plan articles for future issues. Organize, revise and edit stories. Produce Web-specific content (videos, breaking news postings, etc.) for online version.
Lay out and edit a variety of news pages (front page, local section and wire copy). Also design sports and business pages. Proofread and edit local copy. Participate in news meetings and editors' meetings. Work closely with writers and editors to refine stories and page layout.
As a part-time and freelance reporter, cover a wide range of high school, college, professional and amateur sports. Interview players and coaches. Write game stories, previews, features and profile pieces. Complete stories under deadline pressure.
In-depth knowledge of Quark XPress editing/layout software. Familiarity with Adobe Photoshop, Final Cut Pro and ATS and CCI editing and pagination systems. Well-versed in Associated Press style and the mechanics of copy editing.