Government watchdog​/investigative reporter

The Lansing State Journal is looking for a reporter to cover local government and community issues in Greater Lansing, with an emphasis on the city of Lansing, Ingham County, related agencies and more than $1 billion in annual tax revenue. This role balances daily journalism with enterprise and investigative reporting, identifies high‑interest issues in the community, and produces explanatory journalism that is meaningful to readers.

• Identifies key issues through source development, data analysis and document reporting.
• Shapes coverage with independent judgment and strategic insight.
• Collaborates closely with editors to set priorities and deadlines.
• Produces high‑impact, multi‑platform work with a disciplined approach.
• Uses audience metrics to inform coverage plans and meet reader needs.
• Writes clearly and concisely, with strong nut graphs and clear relevance.
• Develops and executes distribution and optimization strategies.
• Delivers strong reader service, helping audiences find answers and solutions.
• Builds trust and credibility within the coverage area.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of reporting experience.
• Energetic self‑starter and quick thinker who can identify stories that matter.
• Ability to multitask and perform well in a fast‑paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline‑writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Instagram, Tik Tok, and Reddit, with experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills with knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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  Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.

Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.