Reporter – Liverpool Echo (Maternity Cover) (Liverpool)

Do you want to work in the best newsroom in the North West? Are you just as comfortable knocking on doors covering the latest breaking news as you are writing content about our readers’ favourite celebrities and footballers? If yes then apply now to join the Liverpool Echo as our newest Reporter. 

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about local journalism and is hungry to find and report on the stories that matter most to our readers.

We’re looking for fresh ideas and new perspectives from people from a wide range of backgrounds, and we want you to tell us the stories you believe are important from our many communities so we can continue to diversify our content.

So, who are we?

We are Reach Plc, you might not have heard of us but we have probably met without you even realising it. We are home to the UK and Ireland’s most iconic digital platforms, magazines and newspapers. From the Mirror, Daily Express and OK!, to our regional titles such as the Liverpool Echo, BirminghamLive and the Manchester Evening News (plus lots more), our brands and the stories we cover are as varied as our people. We help all kinds of people share experiences through our stories because we believe this is what makes us human.

Oh, and we should probably also mention that with a monthly readership of 47 million people, Reach is the largest commercial publisher in the UK. At Reach, not only will you feel better understood, you will also feel you understand other people better too.

This is a fixed term contract maternity cover role, initially for 12 months, starting as soon as possible.

This role is based in our Liverpool city centre Hub and we are therefore open to candidates based in and around Liverpool.

What will the role involve?

You will work as part of our dynamic team to produce engaging news and trending content that our audience wants to read. You will have the opportunity to tell stories in many different ways including (but not limited to) real-time live blogs, article format, video, audio and pictures.

You will build strong contacts within the industry for story gathering, sourcing and conducting interviews. You will take pictures and film footage whilst you are out on patch reporting, always thinking of how to uncover the stories that are important for our audience. This position will involve some weekend/evening working so a flexible approach is required.

Who are we looking for?

You are a passionate journalist with an NCTJ or equivalent journalism qualification, strong knowledge of media law and ideally 100wpm shorthand or working towards this. You are a first class writer with excellent storytelling techniques and a keen eye for what makes a great story. You ideally have experience working with a CMS and are comfortable taking pictures and videos.

A good working knowledge of SEO is desirable or a willingness to learn. You have expert knowledge of your patch and know how to tell stories that will relate directly to our ever growing and diverse audience. You have superb social media skills and an understanding of how to utilise various social platforms to make content engaging.

What can we offer you?

We are offering a competitive salary and benefits including;

• Help saving for your retirement – join our pension scheme and well match contributions up to 6%
• 25 days holiday per year when you join. After three, five and ten years service with Reach, youll accrue one additional day of annual leave. We also have a Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Giving back day – an additional days leave each year to support a cause close to your heart
• Enhanced family leave – including maternity, paternity and adoption – and youll be eligible after just six months employment
• Private Healthcare Cash Plan – free health cash plan so you can claim back cash for a range of medical expenses
• As one of the UKs top 50 Inclusive Employers everyones invited to join our events, programmes and networks to celebrate diversity and build an environment where all our people can thrive
• Wellbeing support – including a 24/7 employee assistance programme (EAP) for you and your nearest and dearest
• Awesome career opportunities – youll have support from your line manager and a range of learning & development programmes
• We are also a member of the 30% Club, a global campaign aimed at increasing gender diversity at board and senior management levels

Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.