Trending News Reporter - Tennessee Connect Team

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The USA TODAY Network is seeking a high-energy, endlessly curious Knoxville / East Tennessee Connect Reporter to join our breaking news, trending and service journalism team. This role will focus on serving audiences in Knoxville and the greater East Tennessee region, producing fast-paced, audience-first journalism that helps readers navigate daily life, stay informed on urgent issues, and understand what's trending locally and statewide.

Our Connect Team plays a key role in growing audience by answering readers' questions through search, social and timely news coverage. The ideal candidate is digitally savvy, SEO-aware, and deeply interested in what East Tennesseans care about - from weather and public safety to cost-of-living issues, outdoor recreation, major events and viral moments with local impact.

Life in Knoxville

Knoxville combines the best of urban and outdoors life in one of the most beautiful settings in America, on the banks of the Tennessee River and in the shadows of the Great Smoky Mountains. The city is home to the University of Tennessee, which adds even more energy to a dynamic city that hosts internationally recognized chefs, a thriving independent retail scene, world-class outdoors venues, including the renowned urban wilderness, and the elite athletics of the Southeastern Conference. It's also home to the critically acclaimed Big Ears music festival created by Bonnaroo founder Ashley Capps, who lives here and helps nurture a thriving original music scene that draws artists from across the globe. And the cost of living will blow you away - it's one of the country's more affordable urban areas in a state with no income tax.

What You'll Do

You will produce multiple pieces of high-impact content per day, guided by audience data and real-time trends, while collaborating closely with editors and newsrooms across Tennessee and the broader USA TODAY Network.

Key focus areas include:

• Search- and service-driven journalism: Identify and answer the key questions East Tennessee readers are asking - often before they ask them - using tools like Google Trends, analytics dashboards and social listening.
• Trending and breaking news coverage: Amplify breaking coverage with explainers, "What to know" pieces, and localized service stories during weather emergencies, public safety events, infrastructure issues and major regional moments.
• Localizing national stories: Translate national and statewide trends (weather, health alerts, lotteries, travel, federal policy changes) into clear, relevant information for East Tennessee audiences.
• Evergreen and seasonal content: Produce durable, audience-focused stories during slower news cycles, including guides, explainers, and light accountability or engagement series relevant to Knoxville and surrounding communities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities

• Monitor emails, social media, community groups and regional news sources for stories.
• Track developing stories across local, state and national platforms for relevance to East Tennessee.
• Write efficiently and accurately, often producing several stories per day during peak news cycles.
• Pitch and rapidly execute story ideas based on emerging audience interest.
• Craft strong, SEO-driven headlines and reader-friendly formats optimized for search and Discover.
• Ensure content meets USA TODAY Network standards for accuracy, ethics, speed and clarity.
• Collaborate with local Tennessee newsrooms and network editors to avoid duplication and maximize impact.

What We're Looking For

• Strong reporting, writing and digital storytelling skills.
• Excellent news judgment and a solid grounding in journalism ethics.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, metrics-informed environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of SEO, audience engagement and headline optimization.
• Comfort adapting quickly to shifting news demands, including breaking news.
• Familiarity with East Tennessee, Knoxville or similar Southern Appalachian communities is strongly preferred.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Excellent command of grammar, AP style and fact-checking best practices.
• Proficiency with social media platforms such as Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit and Bluesky.
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to multitask.

Work Schedule & Location

Typical shifts start early and vary based on news needs Nights and weekends may be required during breaking news events.

The position is based in Knoxville, Tennessee. The USA TODAY Network is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity and inclusion in the newsroom and beyond.


Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee's race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant's disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals' application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.'s Recruitment Department at View email address on click.appcast.io. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.