Moab Community Reporter

Description

About The Salt Lake Tribune & The Times-Independent

The Salt Lake Tribune has been Utah’s independent voice since 1871. The Tribune is a nonprofit newsroom, meaning our journalism is not driven by shareholder demands or corporate interests. We are committed to independent, public-service journalism centered on Utah communities.

We are seeking a community-focused reporter to cover Moab and the surrounding Grand County area for The Times-Independent, Moab’s local newspaper. This position is employed by The Salt Lake Tribune and offers the opportunity to be part of a statewide nonprofit news organization while reporting on the people, events and issues that matter most to the Moab community.

The Role

The Moab Community Reporter is a trusted local presence who helps residents understand what is happening in their community and why it matters. From city and county government decisions to highlighting the stories of people sharing the region, this reporter brings a thoughtful, accessible approach to everyday news.

The ideal candidate is comfortable working independently, building relationships across the community and balancing quick-turn coverage with deeper stories. They understand the opportunities and challenges of reporting in a small community, including the importance of fairness, context, and trust. Coverage may explore tourism, housing, public lands and other issues affecting life in southeastern Utah.

What You’ll Do

• Report on local events, government, education, community organizations, businesses and issues affecting Moab and Grand County residents.
• Attend public meetings and community gatherings, identify newsworthy developments and provide clear, timely coverage.
• Find compelling human interest stories that reflect the experiences, accomplishments and concerns of a diverse community.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of sources, including residents, public officials, local leaders and people whose voices are often overlooked.
• Provide accurate, engaging daily stories while pursuing explanatory and accountability reporting on consequential local issues.
• Pitch original stories, follow emerging developments and respond to breaking news as needed.

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive salary starting at $54,000, depending on experience
• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid vacation, sick leave and parental leave
• Employer-paid life insurance and disability coverage
• Flexible and hybrid work opportunities
• Cellphone stipend and mileage reimbursement
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility for qualified employees

Why Join Us

This is an opportunity to tell the stories of a distinctive Utah community and make local journalism useful, relevant and accessible to the people who live there. As part of The Salt Lake Tribune’s nonprofit newsroom, you’ll combine daily community coverage with meaningful public-service reporting that helps residents stay informed and connected.

The Salt Lake Tribune is an inclusive employer committed to building a newsroom that reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

Requirements

What We're Looking for

• Experience reporting and writing accurate, engaging news stories on deadline.
• Strong news judgment and an interest in local government, community life and public-service journalism.
• Ability to develop a beat, cultivate diverse sources and build trust while maintaining journalistic independence.
• Keen grammar, spelling and punctuation skills with a commitment to fairness, accuracy, ethics and completeness.
• In-depth knowledge of Associated Press style and ability to file clean copy for print and digital publication.
• Ability to manage assignments independently and prioritize competing deadlines.
• Comfort using digital publishing tools and social media to find stories and connect with audiences.
• Willingness to attend occasional evening or weekend meetings and events, and travel locally as coverage requires.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience covering a small town, rural community or local government beat.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.