Development Reporter; UNION

USA TODAY Co. Inc. is a diversified media company. The Patriot Ledger, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a curious, self‑starting, and digitally savvy journalist to serve as our growth and development reporter covering the South Shore of Massachusetts.

This reporter will focus on commercial and residential development issues as well as the real‑estate market. They will be asked to look at housing, redevelopment, new and existing businesses, permitting, and zoning in a way that engages our audience. You’ll use your curiosity to unearth interesting stories behind a seemingly routine zoning or planning board agenda item. This job requires an understanding of social media platforms, Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO;

quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset. This reporter is also expected to have the range to handle breaking news, as well as general assignment and in‑depth, data‑driven enterprise reporting. Our newsroom is virtual, but our journalism is local — this role requires actively reporting from your community.

• Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Be passionate about news, developing a beat and becoming a local authority on development.
• Capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick‑turn‑around content.
• Use sites such as Google Trends to mine story ideas.
• Produce content in alternative forms such as video.
• Be flexible to assist in coverage of breaking news and other events.

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of professional journalism experience.
• High‑level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre‑employment, post‑offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Links to 3‑6 online samples of your work that best reflect what you can do in this 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 $17.60 and $29.08. 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. Variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and may be applicable depending on the role.

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’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 information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws.

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 individual’s application for employment. Applicants requiring 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.