Community Journalist/Reporter - Navajo-Hopi Observer

We are looking for a skilled journalist who is interested in covering news on the Navajo and Hopi reservations, which includes covering features, council meetings, school news and sporting events.  This position is based out of the Williams area and requires travel & creating connections in the tribal communities. 

In this position the community journalist/reporter gathers news, takes photographs, writes news, feature and special assignment stories under the direction of the Editor. Covers assigned beats as dispersed by management. Keeps abreast of issues in news beats, changing newsroom technology and maintains a list of story ideas. Performs fact checking, proofreading and editing.  

Essential Functions: 

1. Writes accurate assigned stories, enterprise stories, beat stories and special publications as assigned by Editor.

2. Takes news and feature photos and videos as assigned using camera provided or other.

3. Maintains story count requirements, including enterprise assignments and productivity requirements as assigned. 

4. Writes in accordance with directions on grammar, syntax, usage and style as Editor directs.

5. Rewrites local news, copy submitted and stringers’ copy to correct errors of omission, fact, style, punctuation, grammar and wordiness.

6. Produces and uploads material as needed for the publications’ social media pages and websites. Generate ideas to improve social media and web content.

7. Assists in preparation of newspaper and special publication pages, including layout, pagination, cropping and selecting photos, writing headlines and cut lines, checking/producing graphics, and final check page proof.

8. Has contact with people in the community, over the phone and in the office in a courteous and professional manner.

9. Must be able to do full page pagination and electronic transmission of pages to our print facility.

10. Visit Navajo and Hopi communities as assigned. Create contacts and build relationships with Navajo and Hopi constituents in person and remotely.

11. Attends weekly editorial staff meetings.

12. Exceeds customer’s expectations in a courteous and professional manner. A customer is anyone who contributes directly or indirectly to the revenues of the organization.

13. Basic knowledge of office equipment including computers, email, fax machines, scanners and copiers. Must be able to type 45 wpm accurately.