Full-Time

Chicago Tribune seeks transportation and aviation reporter

March 18, 2025

Posted by Chris Roush

The Chicago Tribune is looking for an agile and versatile reporter to cover transportation and aviation on the Business desk. This reporter will cover all forms of transportation and the companies and agencies that provide it during an unprecedented period of post-COVID change.

What you will do:

  • Report on the many ways Chicagoans move around; You’ll cover local transit service, Chicago-based United Airlines, the city’s two airports, major road projects, regional railroad operations and more
  • Deliver breaking news stories quickly and cleanly, while also identifying and developing distinctive enterprise and watchdog stories that set our coverage apart
  • Become the go-to source for local transportation news by developing an understanding of the issues and trends in our region and producing contextualized stories through a Midwest lens
  • Work with your editor to set priorities for producing a mix of short-, mid- and long-term news and enterprise reporting, both assigned and self-generated

What you will bring:

  • Versatility and the ability to juggle multiple stories at once on a wide-ranging and busy beat
  • Creativity, doggedness and problem-solving skills in tackling roadblocks in newsgathering and idea generation
  • An ability to write clearly, with leads that command attention, nut graphs that make sense and necessary background and context
  • A track record of providing balanced coverage and tackling complex subjects
  • A working knowledge of transportation issues, or a willingness to develop an understanding of this sector
  • The facility to cultivate sources and help identify stories and coverage opportunities
  • The ability to work with data and quickly file and organize FOIAs is a plus
  • An ethical and collaborative approach

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly range is $26.45 – $28.55. 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: http://www.mybensite.com/tribpub

To apply, go here.

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