Summary:

The San Diego Union-Tribune is seeking an ambitious, accomplished, and tenacious reporter to join its Watchdog team and hold power to account in California’s second-largest city and beyond.

This is an important, high-profile role in the nimble, award-winning newsroom of the region’s premier news organization. It’s an excellent opportunity to produce impactful enterprise and investigative journalism, whether you’re a seasoned investigator, a data or public-records whiz, or an accomplished beat reporter eager to transition to focusing on public accountability full-time.

What you will do:

• Report a mix of short-term enterprise stories and longer-term investigative work, with a digital-first approach and a focus on holding accountable the institutions and forces that shape San Diego and its residents’ lives

• Collaborate regularly - sometimes with Watchdog colleagues, sometimes with beat reporters whose expertise your work can supplement and deepen

• Establish and nurture a network of sources, as well as expertise in (and a habit of) obtaining and analyzing public records and data

• Serve as an evangelist in the newsroom for accountability and transparency

• Regularly pitch, discuss, and develop story ideas with a supervising editor

• Contribute to an inclusive, positive culture of teamwork and collaboration

• Pitch in on occasional weekend and holiday reporting shifts

• Tackle complex subjects in a clear, engaging way

What you will bring:

• At least five years of journalism experience, or the equivalent

• Mastery of various journalistic writing forms, including narrative and explanatory styles, with solid news judgment and fluency in AP writing style

• An inclusive approach, the ability to work collaboratively and adaptively in a team setting, and the ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and meet deadlines

• Commitment to the fundamentals of journalism: skepticism, fairness, accuracy, and accessibility

• Strong interpersonal, critical-thinking, and problem-solving skills

• Expertise in navigating public records (preferred but not required)

• Knowledge and skill in analyzing data using various tools to bolster reporting (preferred but not required)

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly range is $33.65 - $36.06 + cell phone stipend. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: www.mysdut.com

Who we are:

The San Diego Union-Tribune is San Diego’s largest media company and its oldest business, dating back to the founding of the Union in 1868. From breaking news to local events and lifestyle features, the Union-Tribune’s diverse portfolio of publications has something for everyone in San Diego County. Explore our diverse offerings, including the award-winning San Diego Union-Tribune, the digital hub SanDiegoUnionTribune.com, and a collection of engaging community newspapers. We believe a diverse and representative newsroom is essential to achieving this goal and the San Diego Union-Tribune is committed to building a stronger, more inclusive San Diego.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here. In addition to your resume, please include a cover letter and 4 - 5 samples showcasing your best work.

Closing Date:

• Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment: 

• A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

• Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, in-person training sessions and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

• Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours

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