Western NC Senior Engagement Reporter

Who We Are

NC Local, a statewide newsroom, operates as a hub of development for new initiatives, journalism and services that shed light on issues shaping North Carolina. NC Local works with a diverse network of news, information and community organizations to maximize reach of information and meet community needs for more journalism, actionable information and community connection. We operate as a community connector that takes new approaches to meeting the evolving information needs of our communities.

Western North Carolina, a region comprised of many varied and diverse communities, is home to more than one million North Carolinians. We will provide this vibrant part of the state with more information about how legislative issues and other key decisions shape their lives, and we’ll work with our local news and information partners on collaborative projects that fill gaps and meet the needs of people across the region.

The Role

As a member of the NC Local hub team, the Western NC Senior Engagement Reporter will serve as the lead journalist and community guide for our work in the region. 

While this work requires journalism skills and experience, we’re going beyond articles to engage communities through digital channels, new products and services and in person at community events. In addition to serving as lead writer/producer for WNC content, the Senior Engagement Reporter will develop new and creative ways to engage WNC audiences and help them understand how complex legislative decisions and other issues are shaping their lives at home in the mountain region.

The Senior Engagement Reporter will be instrumental in convening community members to learn about their information needs, developing strong relationships and building products that meet the varied needs of WNC. The Senior Engagement Reporter will also spearhead partnerships with other media and community groups in the region, providing content they can use or working collaboratively with our partners on services and projects.

What you’ll do:

• Serve as the face and ambassador for NC Local in Western North Carolina
• Launch and lead the reporting, writing and curation for NC Local products and channels, such as a newsletter, text message services and/or social media platforms
• Bring communities together for ongoing community listening, engagement opportunities and events with assistance from the NC Local hub team
• Create, design and implement engaging online and in-person opportunities and products for news and information specific to WNC audiences
• Collaborate with media partners and community organizations on reporting and community engagement projects
• Contribute to NC Local’s core product through reporting, community engagement events and other opportunities

Who you are and what you bring: 

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate experience in reporting, writing and community engagement skills, though we do not expect the same level of strength across all categories. We’re looking for candidates with much of the following: 

• Local news reporting and editing skills (digital, audio and/or video) 
• Community or audience engagement experience
• Digital content creation and social media experience
• Newsletter writing, editing or product skills
• A strong track record of collaboration and partnership with media and community organizations
• Engaging and personable communication skills
• Curiosity, generosity and coachability
• Ability to work across multiple areas independently
• A passion for the diverse communities of Western North Carolina and an understanding that the region is not a monolith
• An experimental mindset and an appreciation for new and creative ways to provide news and information
• A collaborative spirit and genuine desire to be part of a small but mighty team

Compensation and Benefits:

NC Local offers competitive salaries and benefits that focus on the well-being of its employees. This role’s salary range begins at $65,000 with compensation dependent on experience and skills. This is a one-year, grant-funded position, supported by a philanthropic grant, which will be continued pending renewed funding beyond this term.

NC Local offers generous health, dental and vision insurance, as well as other benefits, including paid holidays, vacation and personal time off. NC Local is a remote-first organization, and the Western NC Senior Engagement Reporter may work from anywhere based in the counties defined as Western North Carolina.

To Apply:

Submit a resume along with a letter of interest as your cover letter and tell us why you're interested in this role and how your experience matches our needs. Priority deadline for applications is Aug. 15.