Reporter

Full-time w/ salary & benefits

Remote

Reports to

Managing Editor

About the Baptist Standard

The Baptist Standard Publishing Company is a more than 135-year-old nonprofit news partner of the Baptist General Convention of Texas. We publish digitally at least five days a week.

We exist to connect God’s story and God’s people to grow God’s kingdom through news, opinion and resources. We are committed to the redeeming and reconciling work of Jesus Christ, historic Baptist principles and responsible journalism.

Principal Function

Responsible for covering and reporting news relevant first to Baptists in Texas, then to Baptists across the U.S. and around the world.

Qualifications

The ideal person is a committed follower of Jesus Christ who views this position as a calling more than a job or career.

While preference is given to persons with extensive background in the Baptist denomination, particularly the Baptist General Convention of Texas, those without this background must become proficient in communicating with Baptists.

Required

• Adheres to the mission and core commitments of the Baptist Standard Publishing Company

• Ability to understand the goal, audience and message of the Baptist Standard Publishing Company

• Reporting and storytelling: excellent communication skills—written and verbal—with the ability to communicate fairly, objectively, and with people at varying levels

• Able to travel across Texas and the U.S., and at least one international trip per year

• Able to navigate Baptist politics and differences respectfully

• Participates actively in a church; Member of a BGCT-affiliated church preferred

• Ability to work flexibly, independently and with a team

• Is a self-starter

• Excellent time management, organization and attention to detail

Preferred

• At least a bachelor’s degree in communications or journalism with 2-3 years of experience in one of those fields

• Strongly preferred: familiarity with Associated Press Stylebook, Microsoft Word, Adobe Acrobat, WordPress, and Mac platforms

• Able to relate and communicate across cultures

• A confident, even-tempered demeanor

• Commitment to self-improvement

• Basic skill with digital photography and video, along with a good photographic eye

Responsibilities

1.   Research and prepare original content:

·      News about state, national and international subjects and events, with priority given to Texas/regional news

·      Features of interest to readers

2.   Attend appropriate conventions and other significant meetings to provide coverage.

3.   Provide photographic coverage and enhanced media support for content as appropriate.

4.   Post content to the website daily and prepare the Baptist Standard for distribution weekly.

·      Other staff will be cross-trained and offer support.

5.   Maintain consistent content and format style.

6.   Collaborate with the managing editor to plan content to gain maximum engagement.

7.   In conjunction with Standard staff, promote Baptist Standard Publishing products to Texas Baptists and seek to increase engagement.

8.   Remain abreast of trends, events and projections concerning the BGCT in particular and religion in general.

9.   Confer with Baptist General Convention of Texas communications staff and other BGCT leaders regularly to seek story ideas and build relationships.

10. Provide appropriate communication and reporting for the board of directors, as assigned by the managing editor.

11. Work with news interns.

12. Perform other duties as assigned.

Submit resumés to Executive Director Eric Black

eric.black@baptiststandard.com

www.baptiststandard.com