Job Description

Visual Journalist

The Fayetteville Observer, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious, passionate, highly skilled and digitally savvy experienced visual journalist for the residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina.

This journalist will use visuals, with a heavy emphasis on video, to inform and engage our key audiences, as well as illustrate the must-read journalism produced by the newsroom. The ideal candidate is highly collaborative and fluent in digital journalism tools with an emphasis on fast, high-quality video production and photo galleries for breaking news, enterprise coverage and sports. They will cover daily assignments for news, public safety, sports, business, military, features and more. They will bring their own original ideas to the table and take initiative to pitch and execute compelling visual stories that serve audience needs.

Equity and inclusion are central to our newsgathering. This visual journalist will be expected to build relationships with members of diverse communities. Photography should be people-centered and include narrative storytelling that delivers depth, context and insight.

The Fayetteville Observer, the oldest daily newspaper in North Carolina, serves the Sandhills region of the state. Fayetteville, the county seat of Cumberland County, has experienced significant growth and development in recent years and is home to Fort Bragg, one of the world's largest military installations. The city is known for its rich history, evolving food scene and wide range of cultural events that reflect its diverse population.

Responsibilities:

• Produce, shoot and edit high-quality video and still images that accurately inform and engage our audience.
• Develop and pitch timely visual story ideas, including videos, photo galleries and other multimedia.
• Quickly turn around video and still images for assignments, often filing from the field and juggling multiple projects.
• Use audience metrics to shape coverage decisions and refine visual storytelling.
• Maintain and regularly update visuals on digital platforms to keep coverage current and relevant.
• Build strong relationships with editors, reporters and the community, contributing to coverage plans and newsroom collaborations.
• Be a resource for the newsroom, helping to develop relevant trainings and workshops for reporters looking to develop their own visual skills.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Proficiency in SEO and optimization for visuals.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance and promote work.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check & urinalysis drug screen (for driving roles only).

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• 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.

These items must be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individual's application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.

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