Summary:

The Chicago Tribune is seeking a senior reporter with proven skills to cover education in Chicago and, most importantly, the Chicago Public Schools system. CPS plays a critical role in serving the city's diverse population with a newly elected school board, a powerful union, and a mayor who rode labor's influence into office.

Must be based in the Chicago, IL area or willing to relocate without company provided assistance.

What you will do:

Become a go-to source for our readers on education breaking news and smart enterprise that tells the stories of students, their families and educators; stories about the local impact of broad education trends are also expected

Deliver a mix of short-, mid- and long-term news coverage and enterprise reporting, both assigned and self-generated

Report solo at times and collaborate on other occasions with a mix of veteran and less experienced reporters and photographers

Own your beat; create a vision for covering education in Chicago by getting out in the community, covering meetings, community events and press conferences Develop sources and dig through documents to yield exclusives on major developing stories and what is happening behind the scenes

Work with your editor(s) to execute the needed balance of dailies and longer-term pieces

What you will bring:

A proven record of advanced reporting skills demonstrated in tackling complex subjects and balanced coverage of controversial topics

Creativity, doggedness and problem-solving skills in addressing roadblocks in newsgathering and idea generation

A respect for readers' time reflected in clear writing, leads that command attention, nut graphs that make sense, necessary context, an aversion to wasted words and attention to details that will help you find your online audience

Energy, patience and the drive to learn all you can about Chicago's communities

A commitment to upholding Tribune standards of fairness and accuracy, ethics and quality journalism; a desire to be a good newsroom citizen, collaborative and collegial

Spanish skills are a major asset as the bulk of CPS students come from Spanish-speaking homes

Data-viz skills are a plus, as using data and graphics to publish concise, engaging education news will bolster the beat; Data-viz novices are welcome; a willingness to learn and collaborate on this storytelling method is appreciated

Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required

Benefits and Compensation:

The salary range is $60,000 - $70,000. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: http://www.mybensite.com/tribpub

Who we are:

Founded in 1847, the Chicago Tribune, is the top source of news and information in the Chicago area and the largest news organization in the Midwest. The Tribune, winner of 27 Pulitzer Prizes, is known for its innovative investigative reporting, insightful coverage of the arts and culture, and community-leading opinion writing. As the cornerstone of Chicago Tribune Media Group (CTMG), the Chicago Tribune anchors a diverse network of publications. This includes six daily suburban papers, over 30 hyperlocal weeklies, Chicago Magazine, and digital offerings that inform, engage and connect communities.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here: https://myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/TPCO/job/Chicago-Illinois/Senior-Education-Reporter_R2355. Along with your resume, please include a cover letter and links or attachments to five clips showcasing your skills and range in the resume section of your application

Closing Date:

Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment: 

A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, training sessions, and/or in-person meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours

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