The Sacramento Bee seeks an energetic, versatile journalist to cover the ever-changing business and economic landscape in our region and be first – and best – in reporting breaking business news on our Sacramento Service Journalism Team. This isn’t just a business reporter. It’s a person who has their eye out constantly for all of the town-square, on-the-corner stories that directly affect our readers’ lives, because something new is happening in their hometown.
What kinds of stories will this person write? A wide and engaging range, including quick-turn business openings/closings; “look inside” features that give readers first, exclusive access; overall growth and development trends; and high-utility pieces that answer reader questions about progress on ongoing, notable projects (i.e, what’s that new storefront/retail development?).
The ideal candidate for this position is a person who loves building relationships, is highly organized and is a strong communicator and collaborator who thrives working on a team. She will work closely not only with our business reporter and our other service journalists, but also journalists joining our newly formed Local Accountability Team who’ll keep watch on municipal meeting agendas in which new businesses and retail establishments are often approved by city councils.
We’re looking for an independent, self-motivated person who can spot and report stories without waiting for the assignment and who can cultivate reliable sources. The qualified candidate can also quickly and accurately report live stories using vertical video (like TikTok), social and other digital tools.
We are seeking a reporter who understands the critical importance of headlines and SEO and knows how to grow readership because they’ve studied performance of their stories in the digital space, using analytics tools. We need someone who is ready to learn and ethically experiment with AI, using emergent tools and brainstorming new uses for how technology can improve our reporting and make our work more efficient.
The anticipated base pay range for this position is $30.95 an hour up to 37.5 hours a week. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education.
What You’ll Bring
- A college degree in journalism or equivalent experience
- 3-5 years of reporting experience
- Strong writing skills, excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to “see the story” that is going to matter to readers
- Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
- Vigorous and fearless reporting
- An eagerness to learn, absorb advice and apply it
- The ability to monitor and mine various sources
- An understanding of what drives interest on Facebook, X, TikTok and other social media platforms;
- A track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.
- A collaborative style that allows you to work comfortably and collegially with newsroom colleagues
- A familiarity shooting photos and video
- Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required.
To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.
To apply, go here.
