City Watchdog and Development Reporter

USA TODAY Co. Inc. Overview

USA TODAY Co. Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire inform and connect audiences as a sustainable growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company.

Through our trusted brands including the USA TODAY NETWORK comprised of the national publication USA TODAY and local media organizations including our network of local properties in the United States and Newsquest a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom we provide essential journalism local content and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality trusted content with a commitment to balanced unbiased journalism where and when consumers want to engage.

Our digital marketing solutions brand LocaliQ supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid.

Current Job Opening: Reporter at The Arizona Republic/azcentral

The Arizona Republic/azcentral is looking for a reporter to cover local news issues and development in metro Phoenix. Were looking for a journalist who brings the skills persistence and empathy to make a difference in our sprawling diverse communities. This reporter has the news judgment and vision to shift old narratives and find new ways to engage with our audiences.

It is a job where the reporter will identify trends and hot topics pivot between different topics and consistently produce content that resonates with current readers and helps grow our audience especially within underserved communities. This is not a job where the reporter recounts what happened at council "today."

The reporter must be attuned to political trends alliances and influence in polarizing times and deliver coverage that holds public officials accountable and helps readers make informed decisions about their community. The reporter must excel at developing professional sources and show an eye for development issues and important details found in public records.

The reporter must consistently - and persistently - dig below the surface and write with clarity. The reporters work must spark conversations and action on important issues. The reporter must work collaboratively and effectively in a team and demonstrate an awareness of and adherence to the highest journalistic ethical standards.

Responsibilities:

• 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.

Requirements:

• Bachelors 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 TikTok 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 drivers license reliable transportation and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Application Instructions:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, dont limit your upload to a resume. Show us what youve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following in this order:

• 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. Show us what best reflects what you can do in your desired 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.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

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 employees:

• 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
• 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 applicants 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 Recruit@usatodayco.com.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.