The government reporter is a critical part of the newsroom’s beat reporting team, which will include reporters focused on education, health, and economics. They will be responsible for delivering powerful news and accountability reporting on all the ways that local government shapes the lives of Indianapolis residents.
We are seeking an ambitious reporter who’s excited to deliver a steady stream of impactful news and enterprise. The government reporter will have the opportunity to break news, uncover government malfeasance, and craft elegant explanatory pieces — sometimes in the same week. The ideal candidate is creative, enterprising and relentless in their pursuit of the truth. They are excited to identify new ways to help Indianapolis residents understand policies and politics and driven to create content that will appeal to a wide audience, particularly in communities historically underserved by mainstream news media.
This reporter will be part of a team led by the Managing Editor, News. They will also work closely with the Managing Editor, Innovation, and Community Journalism Director, who runs the Indy Documenters, to shape a government beat that reflects community interests.
Responsibilities & Priorities:
- Proactively identify high-impact stories that include investigations but also highlight solutions, actionable information and neighborhood-level trends
- Cover key stories relentlessly, regardless of whether news cycles have passed
- Produce a range of short- and long-term stories, and be excited to work in alternative story formats (including briefs, oral histories, slide shows, video reels) that will increase reach and accessibility to information
- Follow leads from Indianapolis residents and be responsive to their questions and inquiries, prioritizing their needs in story development
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to stay informed about and receive tips on newsworthy events and trends
- Working with the editor, ensure beat priorities reflect community information needs and include diverse perspectives in the reporting
- Work with the Indy Documenters assignment editor to identify relevant public meetings or make other assignments that can help with reporting
- Have an urgency to be responsive to community information needs; and an ability to be first on breaking news
You’re a good fit if you have some of these skill sets:
- You’re eager to make your mark on your beat and to work in a high metabolism newsroom
- Flexible and entrepreneurial spirit—you can thrive in a startup environment where you are expected to learn as you go and think outside the box
- Demonstrated commitment to local, public service journalism
- 2+ years of experience in a beat reporting job, with a packet of clips that highlight your ability to break news and hold the powerful to account
- An ability to be a supportive part of a team of reporters
- Stellar news judgment and editorial skills
- Strong communication and writing skills
- Experience telling stories on multiple platforms using audio, social media and/or video
- Ability to work under deadline and prioritize work
- Ability to work evenings as needed
- Interpersonal/communications skills – willing to negotiate and talk through issues in an honest and clear manner
- Ability to maintain confidence when working with sensitive information
- Ability to interact effectively with a diverse group of individuals internal and external to the newsroom
- Team player – help others and is supportive Practice a growth mindset, have the ability to see opportunity even in the midst of challenges
Salary levels will be commensurate with experience, starting at: $55,000 (early-career reporters); $65,000 (mid-career reporters); $80,000 (senior reporters)
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