About the Role: We’re seeking an ambitious journalist to help residents understand how public institutions shape life in their community. This is accountability journalism focused on outcomes, not process. Rather than covering meetings and political statements, you’ll examine whether public promises produce results, how taxpayer dollars are spent, and how decisions by governments and public agencies affect people’s lives.
What You’ll Do:
• Create storytelling that accurately informs, engages and empowers audiences
• Produce accountability and enterprise journalism focused on government performance, transparency and public outcomes
• Develop sources among residents, community leaders, public officials and institutional stakeholders
• Build and maintain long-term reporting projects that track promises, implementation efforts and measurable outcomes
• Use data, public records and document-driven reporting to uncover trends and hold institutions accountable
• Produce video, social and digital storytelling that expands the reach and impact of reporting
• Collaborate with other reporters across the newsroom
• Work with content and audience strategists to identify information needs and strengthen community engagement
• Capture basic photos and video when appropriate
• Help readers find answers and navigate public systems
Skills/background needed: A bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience. Proven record of strong reporting and enterprise journalism. Ability to develop sources and build trust across diverse communities. Strong news judgment and accountability reporting instincts. Experience using public records, data and document-driven reporting. Excellent interviewing, research and storytelling skills. Knowledge of AP style. Understanding of digital audience needs, search engine optimization and social media strategy. Experience producing or appearing in video journalism is preferred. Strong ethical standards and commitment to accurate, fair reporting. Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats. Ability to collaborate effectively across teams. Comfort balancing breaking news demands with longer-term enterprise projects. Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance.
Contract length: Full-time, permanent
Location: Local position based in Erie County, Pennsylvania
About the Community: Set on the shores of Lake Erie, this community of more than 260,000 offers journalists the chance to cover a region big enough to matter and small enough to make an impact. The area combines a freshwater coastline, rich history, vibrant arts and cultural amenities and abundant outdoor recreation with affordability and accessibility. Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are within easy driving distance. For journalists who want their work to be seen, felt and remembered, this remains a place where strong reporting can genuinely make a difference.
Why Apply: Full training and support provided. Work as part of a collaborative newsroom. Build a career in journalism that directly impacts your community. Opportunities to develop skills across multiple formats including video, digital and social media.
Equal Opportunity: We are an equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status, education, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable law. Applicants who require reasonable accommodation should contact the recruitment department. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location.
Ready to get started? Submit your application below.