Public Trust Reporter

The Daily Record in Wooster, Ohio, is seeking a public trust reporter to cover the long‑term forces shaping Holmes and Wayne counties, producing accountability journalism where policy, culture, economy, and environment intersect.

The beat focuses on how today’s local decisions—about land use, infrastructure, workforce development, health access, and growth—will define the region’s future. Coverage examines tensions such as aging populations versus labor demand, farmland preservation versus housing needs, climate and infrastructure pressures, broadband access, and competing visions for rural and small‑city communities.

Reporting connects planning documents and budget decisions to residents’ lived experiences, with video reporting and community engagement central to how this work reaches and serves the communities.

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains, and engages specific audiences and platforms through analytics research.
• Collaborates with editors and frontline journalists locally and across the USA Today Network.
• Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in areas of expertise.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues, and the institutional brand.
• Reports quickly, clearly, and accurately and delivers news via articles, video, social media, or any other methods available to reach audiences.
• Uses analytics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies.
• Cultivates a beat and has a genuine interest in people and the ability to build trust.
• Writes and/or produces multimedia content that appeals to key audience targets and maximizes user experience on digital and social platforms.
• Experiments with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and is proficient in using alternate story forms.
• Employs AI and automation to support journalism and is willing to experiment with new formats and platforms.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum three years of professional newsroom or reporting experience.
• Strong command of grammar, style, and copy editing.
• Experience in a digital‑first newsroom, including use of analytics to guide coverage.
• Ability to report quickly, clearly, and accurately in a deadline‑driven environment.
• Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain a reporting beat.
• Proficiency using social platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat.
• Solid understanding of journalism ethics and sourcing.
• Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI.
• Strong collaboration skills.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum state‑required liability insurance.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $20.67 and $32.30, with variable compensation potentially applicable based on the position.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We 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, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, genetic characteristics, or political affiliation, or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co.

employs employees. If an applicant requires an accommodation as a result of a disability or religion, they may contact the Recruitment Department for assistance.