The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is seeking an aggressive, audience-focused reporter to join our business team and cover the issues that directly impact the daily lives of people in our community through a new consumer- and commuter-focused beat.
The reporter will cover topics including highway construction, utility costs, green energy issues and commercial and retail development — all with residents, shoppers and commuters in mind.
The aim is to offer practical, relevant information in the formats best suited to time-crunched readers. The ideal candidate will have the ability to distill complicated information from utility companies, transportation authorities and other agencies into clear, concise, and engaging explainer stories and updates.
This reporter will be a translator for our readers — someone who understands the processes of the Department of Transportation and the Public Service Commission and the nuances of local development boards, while never losing sight of the kinds of questions readers have: What is being built on that torn-up block? When will my exit be open again? Why is my energy bill going up, and is there anything I can do about it?
Responsibilities
- Serve communities by helping readers find answers and solutions.
- Stay on top of news and updates from local development projects and state agencies, including the Department of Transportation and the Public Service Commission.
- Develop a collaborative approach to covering high-interest issues alongside other business-focused reporters.
- Work with editors to evaluate what’s working and what’s not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
- Collaborate with other teams to provide all the appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics).
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Business, or a related field.
- Proven experience in reporting, preferably on business or consumer topics.
- Passion for business journalism and a keen interest in how commercial and infrastructure developments impact everyday life.
- Exceptional writing and storytelling abilities.
- Proficiency in digital journalism tools and platforms.
- Ability to work under tight deadlines and handle multiple assignments simultaneously.
- Background using social media such as X, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to find sources and stories, and promote work.
- Understanding of reporting ethics.
- This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions
About
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:
- Your resume – one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to no more than three published stories, writing samples.
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.
To apply, go here.
