Public Safety Reporter

Forum Communications Co.

Public Safety Reporter responsible for timely stories and visuals about local public safety issues and events. Engaging with the community and collaborating with teams to enhance audience loyalty.

Posted 5/8/2026full-timeGrand Forks • North Dakota • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $19 - $22 per hourWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Producing engaging, relevant, and timely stories and visuals for publication across print and digital platforms.
Responsible for a mix of quick breaking news stories and long-form enterprise reporting.
Research and craft compelling stories across both print and digital platforms, follow leads, and respond quickly to breaking news.
Write/produce stories according to editorial and AP style and format standards for publication.
Contact and interview sources, and research tips and leads.
Stay up to date on the latest current events - local politics, public safety and education topics, community events, and more.
Become an active part of the local and surrounding communities, developing sources and partnerships as a trusted source of information.
Work closely with other team members across departments to grow audience engagement and loyalty through impactful storytelling and timely content.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Mass Communications, or a related field preferred, or equivalent professional reporting/writing experience.
3+ years of previous writing experience for a newspaper, website, magazine, or specialty publication strongly preferred.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with a solid grasp of AP style.
Photography and basic photo editing experience preferred.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with community members and business leaders alike.
Strong news judgment and the ability to identify compelling story angles that resonate with local audiences.
Ability to work efficiently under tight deadlines and organize multiple assignments, while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Familiarity with digital publishing tools, social media platforms, audience engagement strategies, and digital analytics/digital tools is a plus.
Willingness and ability to work flexible hours as the news happens, including evenings and weekends as needed, based on coverage needs.
Must possess a valid driver’s license, a driving record that is insurable by the company, and carry an acceptable level of vehicle insurance as required by the company.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health, dental, and vision packages
Paid maternity and parental leave
Company-paid short-term disability and life insurance
Additional options for critical illness, accident, and hospital indemnity coverage
Retirement benefits with company match
Generous PTO and paid volunteer hours

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

writingeditingproofreadingphotographyphoto editingstorytellingresearchAP styledigital publishingaudience engagement

Soft Skills

communicationinterpersonal skillsnews judgmentrelationship buildingtime managementattention to detailflexibilityteam collaborationorganizational skillscreativity

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree in JournalismBachelor’s degree in Mass Communicationsequivalent professional reporting experience