Newspaper Reporter

Inn of the Mountain Gods Resort and Casino

Position Title: Newspaper Reporter    Reports To: Casino Advertising Marketing Manager

Summary:

Under the direction of the Casino Advertising Marketing Manager, the Reporter produces original, accurate, and community‑centered journalism for the Mescalero Apache Tribal Newspaper. The Reporter develops story ideas, reports across assigned beats, files clean, on‑deadline copy for our twice‑monthly print edition, and ensures culturally respectful coverage aligned with Indigenous reporting best practices.

Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, report, write, and file stories to deadline for a twice‑monthly, 8‑page newspaper (14×22 in, 6 columns).
• Own coverage beats (tribal governance, education, culture/language, health, youth/elders, public safety, economic development).
• Conduct interviews, gather documents and data, and attend public/tribal meetings and community events as assigned.
• Shoot basic photos and captions; coordinate art needs and page placement with the Administrative & Layout Coordinator.
• Fact‑check rigorously; follow AP Style and IMG brand standards; promptly correct inaccuracies.
• Maintain an editorial calendar and source lists; log contacts and releases; uphold privacy and cultural protocols.
• Contribute briefs and community notes; support web/social posting as needed (phase 2).
• Demonstrated commitment to researching and implementing new technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance the operations of Marketing.
• Other duties as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism/Communications or equivalent professional newsroom experience.
• Demonstrated reporting portfolio showing clear writing, accuracy, and community engagement.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office/Google Workspace; familiarity with AP Style; comfort with basic photo/audio tools.
• Cultural competency and knowledge of NAJA/IJA guidelines for reporting in Indian Country (or willingness to learn).
• Excellent organization and communication skills; ability to manage multiple deadlines.
• Valid driver’s license; ability to work some evenings/weekends for meetings and events.
• Must be at least 21 years old and able to obtain/maintain a gaming license if required by work location.
• Bilingual English/Spanish or Apache language skills preferred; Mescalero Apache Tribal preference and bicultural experience preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Frequent sitting, keyboarding, and telephone use; occasional standing and walking at events/meetings.
• Occasional lifting and moving of boxes, newspapers, or equipment up to 25 lbs.
• Driving to on‑reservation/off‑site locations for interviews and coverage.

Work Environment:

• Office and field reporting environment with frequent public contact.
• Noise levels may vary (public meetings, events); occasional exposure to outdoor weather.
• Potential incidental exposure to second‑hand smoke in certain on‑property areas.