Journo Jobs

The San Francisco Chronicle seeks a public safety reporter

July 25, 2023

Posted by Mariam Ahmed

The San Francisco Chronicle has an opening for an ambitious and versatile journalist to cover public safety in the Bay Area, taking a lead role in reporting on crime and the courts as well as policing and civil rights. The reporter will be based out of our San Francisco office and assigned to The Chronicle’s public safety and breaking news team.

This is a wide-ranging beat that may include responding to active crime scenes, looking into statistics and trends, writing about jury trials, filing public records requests, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people accused of crimes. The reporter will cover police use-of-force and accountability while delving into broader criminal justice issues such as the drug epidemic, the growth of surveillance and the fight over gun control.

Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news, scoops, enterprise stories and utility-focused pieces that explain and demystify complicated topics. We’re seeking a self-starter who works quickly, has strong writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, is committed to inclusive journalism, and wants to own the stories that matter most.

What you will do:

  • Report news for SFChronicle.com that may also publish in The Chronicle’s print editions.
  • Compete to provide readers the timeliest and most authoritative information.
  • Produce digital pieces by collaborating with other reporters and other newsroom teams.
  • Appear occasionally on The Chronicle’s daily news podcast, Fifth & Mission.

What it will take to be successful: 

  • At least two years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
  • Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
  • An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
  • An understanding of and curiosity about crime, courts and criminal justice issues.
  • An ability to develop sources within public-safety agencies.

Requirements: 

  • This position is full-time and will likely include one weekend shift per week.
  • The candidate must be based in the Bay Area or willing to locate.

The reasonable estimate is between $75,000 and $85,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in San Francisco. If this role is open to candidates outside of San Francisco, the salary range would be aligned to that specific location.

For more details click here.

Subscribe to TBN

Receive updates about new stories in the industry daily or weekly.

Subscribe to TBN

Receive updates about new stories in the industry.