Accountability Reporter
Summary:
The Bay Area News Group is seeking an Accountability Reporter, a key new role on a collaborative regional enterprise team focused on writing the most important stories of the day for a smart, savvy and diverse readership. In the complex, interconnected world of politics, government and civil society, you’ll keep a laser focus on transparency and holding the powerful to account in our public institutions.
You should have strong storytelling chops, a bent toward investigative reporting, and be able to dive into data analysis and public records to enhance your journalism and that of your team. Be able to juggle quick hits and longer enterprise, aiming weekly for the centerpiece slot on our websites and the front page of our two daily newspapers, the Pulitzer Prize-winning The Mercury News and the East Bay Times.
What you will do:
Develop and maintain sources across the Bay Area, with a special focus on San Jose, Walnut Creek, the Peninsula and Oakland, with a keen desire to break news
Be an idea-generator who suggests enterprise of varying complexity that is focused on the interests of our regional audience
Change gears quickly when large breaking news develops, and turn around front-page level stories under deadline pressure. Note: This is not an investigative role that will allow you to walk away from the daily report for weeks at a time
Work collaboratively with reporters and editors on the Focus team and across the newsroom, including Metro and Sports as needed
Participate in a weekend, evening and holiday breaking news shift rotation
What you will bring:
Demonstrated strong reporting and organizational skills, and the ability to write with clarity for a general audience
Excellent news judgment and a drive to compete in a region known for its strong, incisive journalism
A strong ethical framework for reporting and writing that values fairness and balance
Knowledge of government – from City Hall, to the County Sheriff to the Governor’s Office
At least three years of experience as a journalist working under daily deadline pressure, preferably including coverage of politics and government
The skill to mine human sources, social media, documents, and data, including a facility for obtaining and using public records
A university degree in journalism or a related field
Benefits and Compensation:
The hourly range is $32.03 - $41.02. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information:
Who we are:
As the Bay Area's top source for local news, the Bay Area News Group reaches more than 5 million people weekly through a powerful combination of print and digital products. Our publications include The Mercury News serving Silicon Valley and the Peninsula; the East Bay Times serving Oakland, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton and the rest of the East Bay; and more than 20 weekly publications. We connect with a diverse and engaged audience, offering a premiere local news report and comprehensive advertising and marketing solutions across web, mobile and print platforms. The Bay Area News Group is a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, which has 49 Pulitzer Prizes and a nationwide audience, delivering award-winning content across 800 platforms and leading the transformation of the news industry.
“3x Built In Best Places to Work Winner - 2023, 2024 & 2025”
EEO Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.
How To Apply:
Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here https://myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/MNG/job/San-Jose-California/Accountability-Reporter_R2522. Along with your resume, please include a cover letter and links or attachments to three clips showcasing your skills and range in the resume section of your application.
Closing Date:
Continuous recruitment until the position is filled
Conditions of Employment:
A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation
Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, training sessions, and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed
Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours