Indiana Local News Initiative seeks an economics reporter

The economics reporter will be a critical part of the newsroom’s beat reporting team, which will include reporters focused on education, health, and government. This is not a typical economics beat — the reporter in this role will be expected to think creatively and expansively about how to tell the story of the Indianapolis economy.

They will be responsible for illuminating how economic issues — including housing, jobs, neighborhood development, business entrepreneurship and more — impact the lives of Indianapolis residents. In this role, they will also explain the decisions in government and business driving the region’s economic trajectory, with a focus on the implications for Indianapolis residents and the city’s historic disparities. The ideal candidate will be an intrepid beat reporter who is adept at finding surprising stories and delivering sharp accountability reporting and explanatory work. In this newsroom, they will have the opportunity to experiment with new storytelling formats and team up with data and multimedia reporters to use data, graphics and other illustrations in their work.

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 the Community Journalism Director, who runs the Indy Documenters, to shape a government beat that reflects community interests.

Responsibilities & Priorities:

Produce a steady stream of news and enterprise
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
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
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
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 of 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)

For further details click here.

Mariam Ahmed