Reporter

Date Posted	April 16, 2024
Industry	Newspapers
Specialty	Not Specified
Required Education	Bachelor's Degree
Job Status	Full-time

Description:

We are looking for general assignment reporters to cover beats that may include law enforcement and criminal courts, K-12 education, government, the midvalley, Aspen Skiing Company and breaking news. It’s a lot to cover because we report on the incredible mountain communities of Pitkin County and the greater Roaring Fork Valley.

The ideal candidates will have superior reporting skills and the ability to provide timely explanatory pieces, quick-turn analysis of breaking news and compelling profiles of key people in the news. This job is all about details — plotting coverage, hitting deadlines, doing your homework, crafting stories to explain local topics from all angles, and driving social media engagement.

We live to tell the story of Pitkin County, where people from around the world travel for world-class skiing, incredible international events, and to enjoy the outdoors.

Full disclosure: It snows here — a lot if we're lucky. As the mountain saying goes, people come for the winters and stay for the summers. We encourage our team to get out and enjoy the outdoors, be it first chair on powder mornings, fly fishing in the afternoon, or making time for a lunch hike during the summer.

Responsibilities include (but are not limited to):

• Generate 6-8 stories per week, plus 2-6 news briefs.
• Contribute content to our array of seasonal magazines.
• Take photos and videos, as well as create and share content on social media. Demonstrate effective use of social media tools to source stories and drive traffic to our digital and print products.
• Work well with community leaders/figures and the newsroom staff.
• Knowledge of digital analytics and how to use them in decision making.
• Ensure accuracy, fairness and correct spelling in all reporting duties.
• Follow direction and vision of The Aspen Times editor.
• Make assigned deadlines without exception.
• Fill in for reporting vacancies as needed.
• Be ethical within the guidelines set by the editor.
• Be a team player and help where needed.
• Attend regular editorial/staff meetings.

Qualifications:

• Journalism or communications degree
• 1-4 years of reporting experience
• Experience with content management systems
• Knowledge of AP style
• Availability to work some nights depending upon beats and may include a weekend shift (Sunday-Thursday or Tuesday-Saturday schedule)
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time
• Must have a current driver’s license or the ability to get one and transportation

Swift Communications LLC is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

Salary range: $50,000 to $52,500 (based on experience) + health, dental and vision insurance as well as a recreation benefit and 401k options.

Apply by emailing resume, cover letter and clips to: apply@aspentimes.com.