The Northwich Guardian is looking for a top-class chief reporter who is passionate about storytelling, hard-working, full of ideas and has the drive to come up with innovative ways of presenting stories across various platforms. We need an ambitious and versatile journalist to cover breaking news and write stories and features from this incredibly lively patch for both online and print. You will have a leading role in the newsroom, stepping up to the newsdesk when required. The right candidates will also report for other titles in the region, including the Knutsford Guardian. A major part of the job will be immersing yourself in social media, developing relationships and understanding what matters to the local community. We want to tell the stories our audiences care about - from covering crime and local politics to powerful human interest pieces and championing the best of our local communities. The job will primarily be based at our friendly regional newsroom in Warrington, but you will be required to get out on a patch, and we are flexible about home working. You will be a fully qualified reporter with gold-standard NCTJ with 100wpm. You will also be:
* Brimming with ideas on how to tackle the remit and get the most out of it digitally
* Fully across what digital readers want from local news coverage
* Excellent at developing relationships with key contacts to improve coverage
* Driven to succeed using the digital analytics tools at your disposal
* A self-starter, brilliant with time management
* Passionate about social media
* Have an excellent knowledge of relevant media law
* Have a versatile, fresh, and energetic writing style with exceptional attention to detail
* The ability to write – and think – quickly under pressure
* An adaptable style to produce everything from live blogs and listicles to long reads and features
* Knowledge of SEO and its importance to digital journalism
* Have collaborative skills to pool ideas with the wider digital reporting team and take on board suggestions
A driving licence and access to a car are preferred. We work on a rota basis, with some early and late shifts and some weekend work. If this sounds like the role for you, please apply by Monday, 2 December. We will be interviewing candidates as and when applications come in so don’t delay in applying. The company Newsquest is a media company with a difference. We are committed to bringing a voice to your region by investing in a passionate team of journalists who proudly serve their communities by sharing authoritative news that readers trust. As well as dedicated sales teams which provide local businesses with highly responsive digital advertising and marketing solutions. Newsquest Media Group is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all community sections regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage/civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Our recruitment process will consist of various stages and activities, as part of our commitment to fairness to all applicants, we will consider any adjustments that could help you.