Government Watchdog Reporter

The Fayetteville Observer/fayobserver.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is searching for a curious, skilled and persistent reporter to cover local government on behalf of the residents of Cumberland County, North Carolina, with a focus on explanatory, enterprise and investigative reporting.

This reporter will find and tell compelling stories that explore government agencies and institutions to ensure that they are meeting their responsibilities to the public. This reporter should be comfortable humanizing data, as well as considering the social justice ramifications of local government decisions, whether by action or omission.

This is a job that goes beyond day-to-day meeting coverage to identify trends and hot topics. It is a job where the reporter will identify trends and hot topics, pivot between different topics and consistently produce content that resonates with our current readers and helps us grow our audience. 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.

We're seeking a reporter with strong writing skills who can produce insightful journalism that makes a connection with readers. The reporter will act as a public ambassador through community outreach and will connect with readers through social media. They will provide thoughtful analyses of complex issues and produce watchdog journalism that leads to change. We need a reporter who isn't afraid to ask hard questions and doesn't settle for limits set by PIO gatekeepers.

Equity and inclusion are central to our reporting, and we need a reporter who shares the mission of including the vast array of viewpoints in our communities. Fayetteville is a vibrant, growing and diverse community, and the Black community is a vital part of the cultural mosaic. Our ideal candidate delivers aggressive, forward-looking work that breaks news, highlights disparities that affect quality of life and holds public officials to account for their actions.

The reporter will work with editors, strategists and digital producers to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests. Topics of particular importance will include government salaries and spending; financial misconduct; politics and elections; ensuring government operates openly; and rooting out unethical behaviors.

The Fayetteville Observer, the oldest daily newspaper in North Carolina, is in the Sandhills region of the state. The city and Cumberland County have experienced tremendous growth and development in recent years and are home to Fort Liberty, one of the largest military installations in the world.

Responsibilities:

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs and engages specific audiences.
• Works toward becoming the community's leading voice in area of expertise.
• Write both quick turn stories on news of the day as well as more in-depth enterprise stories and longer-term investigations.
• Plans and executes engagement opportunities to reach audiences through content, community events and social media.
• Connects with the community through outreach and engagement (social media, forums, community leadership, etc.).
• Collaborates with content team to provide appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
• Produces basic photos and video as needed
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institution
• Provides great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's degree in communications, journalism or related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1+ years of professional experience; strong college work will be considered.
• Experience with public records is required. Database or computer-assisted reporting skills will set applicants apart from others.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, self-start, multitask, contribute and excel under pressure.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication-ready."
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Is comfortable using social media such as Twitter/X, Facebook and Instagram to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital-first mission.
• Works weekends and nights as needed.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

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.

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