Summary:

The East Bay Times has an opening for a Contra Costa County reporter who can break news, hold public officials accountable, and explain how decisions affect residents’ lives. This reporter will cover county government and the issues shaping communities across Contra Costa, from housing and development to public health, safety-net services, and the spending of taxpayer dollars. The assignment includes the Board of Supervisors, county departments, and elected offices, with an emphasis on uncovering stories that matter throughout the county and resonate across the Bay Area.

We’re looking for a reporter who builds strong sources, digs into records, and gets out into communities to understand how government decisions play out. You should be able to turn a budget debate into a clear story about services residents depend on, spot the larger stakes in a local dispute, and pursue answers when officials would rather avoid questions. The ideal candidate will thrive in a competitive news environment, balancing daily reporting with deeper enterprise. You should be comfortable working independently and collaborating with reporters and editors across the newsroom.

Although this is a remote position, candidates must reside in the Contra Costa County coverage area or near the closest Bay Area News Group office.

What you will do:

• Break news on county government, public spending, and major developments affecting Contra Costa residents
• Go beyond meetings and announcements to explain what is changing, who is affected, and what is at stake
• Build deep sourcing across county agencies, local government, neighborhoods, businesses, and community organizations
• Use public records, documents, and data to uncover original stories and hold institutions accountable
• Report on the delivery of public services, following decisions from policy and funding through their consequences for residents
• Develop enterprise stories that reveal emerging problems, examine potential solutions, and capture changes in the county’s communities
• Collaborate with colleagues on stories that cross geographic and beat boundaries
• Report and publish across platforms in real time, updating stories as news develops
• Write clean, engaging stories with clarity and authority

What you will bring:

• Strong news judgment, curiosity, and a competitive drive
• Proven track record of producing original reporting that goes beyond surface-level coverage
• Experience developing sources and using public records and data to uncover stories
• Ability to explain complex government decisions through their effects on people
• High standards for accuracy, fairness, and verification
• Capacity to manage multiple stories under deadline pressure
• Comfort reporting and publishing across digital platforms and social media
• At least five years of professional journalism experience, ideally including government, public policy, or accountability coverage
• Additional language skills are a plus in a region as diverse as ours

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly range is $28.00 - $31.31 + 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.mymedianewsgroup.com

Who we are:

As the Bay Area's top source for local news, the Bay Area News Group reaches more than 5 million people weekly through a powerful combination of print and digital products. Our publications include The Mercury News serving Silicon Valley and the Peninsula; the East Bay Times serving Oakland, Walnut Creek, Pleasanton and the rest of the East Bay; and more than 20 weekly publications. We connect with a diverse and engaged audience, offering a premiere local news report and comprehensive advertising and marketing solutions across web, mobile and print platforms. The Bay Area News Group is a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, which has 49 Pulitzer Prizes and a nationwide audience, delivering award-winning content across 800 platforms and leading the transformation of the news industry.

“4x Built In Best Places to Work Winner - 2023-2026”

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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