Suburban Growth & Accountability Reporter (UNION

Watchdog Reporter

The Columbus Dispatch/ seeks a versatile watchdog reporter to cover assigned suburban communities in a highly competitive, fast-paced news environment.

We are looking for a journalist who is comfortable with text and video coverage of quick-hit breaking news, service journalism and ambitious enterprise.

The best candidate has a deep curiosity and unrelenting commitment to get to the bottom of an issue, hold individuals and institutions accountable, and identify solutions. They also should be comfortable authoring a newsletter highlighting their suburban coverage and being a face and brand readers are eager to engage with in their assigned area.

This reporter will be attuned to the community and have a feel for the local buzz. They will infiltrate social media and develop a deep source roster so they can uncover and break exclusive, impactful stories about the topics and issues that matter most to our audience.

In this fast-growing area, growth and development, data centers, economic and social disparity, affordable housing, and traffic are among key coverage topics.

We expect that that this reporter will recognize compelling, shareable stories and will be quick to jump on them and consistently that makes a difference and helps retain and grow audience.

The best applicant will have experience with public records and be able to quickly unravel complex and controversial issues. They also should be able to author newsletters for readers.

This job is best suited for a journalist who can break down issues, politics, and government actions into digestible, to-the-point stories and use audience metrics to guide coverage decisions to stories that readers, viewers and listeners are interested in.

Versatility is essential, as coverage will stretch from stories about proposed new developments to the needs of a city's most vulnerable residents to city council races to service journalism about 10 new road projects to look for.

You will be part of a collaborative team and expected to jump in on trending and breaking news and cover for colleagues as needed. There will be some weekend and night assignments.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• SEO skills and proficiency on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram, and experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
• Experience using artificial intelligence to assist news gathering.
• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.
• Familiarity with using audience metrics to guide coverage.
• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.

HOW TO APPLY:

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, preferably including videos. 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.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $27.85 and $31.83. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience.

Note:

variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

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…