General Assignment Reporter Job at Rio Grande Sun in Espanola

**Job Overview:**  
The Rio Grande SUN is seeking a dedicated and versatile General Assignment Reporter to join our team. Situated in the beautiful mountains of Northern New Mexico, we cover a wide array of local news and events. This role requires a motivated self-starter who is passionate about journalism and capable of covering multiple beats, including city and county government, education, and community events.

**Key Responsibilities:**
- Cover a variety of beats, such as local government, education, and community happenings.
- Engage in watchdog reporting, holding public officials accountable and uncovering important stories that impact the community.
- Develop and maintain contacts within the community to stay informed on local issues and events.
- Report beyond the surface of public meetings by identifying and pursuing deeper stories.
- File and track requests for public records, utilizing the Inspection of Public Records Act (IPRA) to support investigative reporting.
- Take your own photographs to accompany articles, requiring strong photography skills.
- Handle multiple assignments at once, prioritizing tasks based on deadlines and newsworthiness.
- Ensure timely submission of articles, meeting weekly deadlines and working effectively under deadline pressure.
- Be available for occasional in-county travel as well as work on nights and weekends to cover important events.
 
**Qualifications:**
- Experience in reporting across various beats, including government and education.
- An interest in watchdog journalism is highly desired.
- Familiarity with filing IPRA requests or similar records requests is preferred.
- Strong photography skills are required, as the reporter will shoot photos for their own stories.
- Excellent time management and organizational skills, with the ability to balance multiple projects.
- Ability to work independently, meet deadlines, and work well under pressure.
- Must have a clean driving record and reliable transportation for in-county travel.
 
**Salary Range:**  
$30,000 to $35,000, depending on experience.

**What We Offer:**
- The opportunity to work in a small, close-knit newsroom, nestled in the scenic mountains of Northern New Mexico.
- A role that allows you to develop a wide range of reporting skills, from covering city hall to investigative journalism.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment, with a focus on community-driven reporting.