Business Development Reporter

The Post and Courier in Columbia is looking for a digitally minded journalist who can report on a complex and evolving business and economic development scene in South Carolina’s capital city. Richland and Lexington counties, the heart of the state’s Midlands region, have seen an influx of new industries and development initiatives in recent years, but face unresolved questions about affordable housing, workforce skill and education levels and the perception of intense crime and poverty in some areas. We need someone who becomes immersed in the local, regional and state business development and economic policy communities. The right candidate will be able to provide effective sustained coverage of development stories, while also generating investigative and analytical enterprise reporting on key trends and impacts. The ability not only to write and report but find ways to expand storytelling through social media and video is also a plus. You will work closely with our retail business reporter as well our entire award-winning Columbia news team, often coordinating efforts with those on other beats. This has traditionally been the most-read and highest-impact beat in our newsroom. We’re looking for someone who will quickly become established as the must-read journalist for business news in Columbia.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

- Become immersed in the business development community of Richland County and Columbia to consistently break news and analyze trends ahead of other area news media, resulting in timely, informative and impactful stories.

- Produce story ideas from the assigned beat or from conversations with sources and other members of the community, including looking at issues from multiple perspectives – developers and entrepreneurs, but also workers, customers, vendors, competitors and others.   

- Develop and produce frequent in-depth stories based on public records, interviews and other information while maintaining ongoing beat coverage.   

- Strategically issue FOIAs of permitting, business regulation, economic development and others to assist in reporting, analyze the results and effectively use these materials in published articles.

- Coordinate your assignments and schedule with editors, keeping them well-informed about developments and potential challenges.

- Produce work that is accurate in fact, tone and implication. Understand libel law and the rules governing plagiarism.

- Effectively use social media to engage the community.

- Develop and maintain photo and digital skills.

- Effectively learn and use all job technology and systems.

- Learn and follow all department and company policies and procedures.

- Meet all assigned deadlines.

- Develop a list of knowledgeable, diverse sources.

- Other duties as assigned

Requirements, minimum education level, and experience:

- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, Business or Economics preferred.

- Experience in AP style writing.

- Flexibility to adjust hours to cover evening events, breaking news, or occasional weekend news developments.

- Valid driver's license, good driving record, reliable and insured vehicle

- Reliable access to internet service

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

- Strong writing and editing in AP style skills

- Basic knowledge of how local and state governments regulate business development activity, with S.C. knowledge a plus.

- Strong written and oral communication and interpersonal skills 

- Ability to prioritize workload and self-manage projects, handle multiple tasks and meet strict deadlines

- Good customer relation skills with the ability to easily and professionally speak and work with readers and the public daily

- Excellent social media skills 

- Ability to react quickly to breaking news

- Knowledge of the community and surrounding cities a plus

- Ability to adapt to a fast-paced ever-evolving industry and workplace

- Strong, professional work ethic

- Ability to work independently remotely, if necessary, in a suitable workspace that meets safety guidelines

Physical Requirements, Work Environment and Travel:

Regularly required to sit for long periods of time; close eye work on computer screen; required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, bend and stoop; light to moderate lifting 15-30 pounds.

The worker is frequently subject to inside environmental conditions, which provide protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes, and is sometimes subject to adverse outside environmental conditions.

Local and occasional regional travel is required. The Post and Courier is an equal opportunity, drug-free workplace.