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Local Government Accountability Reporter

The Argus Leader/argusleader.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, seeks an enterprising reporter to cover local government, often through a state political lens, without bogging down in day-to-day politics covered by area competition.

The government accountability reporter will primarily cover the Sioux Falls City Council and two county governments, with the occasional smaller municipality as well. They will use what happens at the state level to carve out local coverage about how state policy affects southeastern South Dakota residents.

The position will help put context to issues in the fastest growing city in the Midwest, and the largest city in South Dakota as well as have the potential to help supplement state coverage for two of Gannett’s smaller publications in South Dakota.

This position may also help provide national coverage during Election seasons, given South Dakota’s recent ranking as the No. 2 best state to be in, according to U.S. News & World Report, and high-level politicians from here are actively helping shape the future of Donald Trump’s presidency.

Either way, because this is the state’s most populous area, much of what is decided at the state and national level has direct and immediate through-lines to how our city functions based on taxpayer money. The lifeblood of this position is an ability to find Sioux Falls residents impacted by state policies and to tell their stories in ways that engage and enlighten our audience.

The successful candidate will have experience with accessing public records, the ability to analyze data, and will shape stories around the impact on communities rather than political actors. There may also be a necessity to travel to and occasionally cover politics at our Capitol in Pierre, South Dakota, to assist with Reuters' wire services.

The reporter must embrace our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion and be relentless about including diverse voices in our storytelling. Video skills are a plus.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms using metrics.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in the area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
• Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues
• Works with the editor to evaluate metrics, what's working, what's not, and to develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate to provide all appropriate elements for stories, such as photos, videos, and graphics. Captures basic photos and videos as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Performs other duties as necessary.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in communication, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least three years of daily journalism experience.
• Ability to write clear, compelling articles that engage our audience and to enhance your work with video and other digital storytelling tools as appropriate.
• Understanding of social media and its uses.
• Understanding of metrics and ability to adapt based on feedback from data.
• Ability to multi-task and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently in a 24-hour newsroom.
• Skill at collaborating in a cross-functional environment and adapting in a rapidly changing industry.
• This job includes some evening and weekend work.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.