Accountability Reporter
Description
The Telegraph in Macon, Georgia, is looking for an experienced reporter who can provide enterprise and accountability coverage of local governments and public officials.
The government accountability reporter won’t be writing meeting recaps: instead, they’ll focus on covering the nexus of public policy, how elected officials spend taxpayer money and the diverse communities impacted by these decisions. Coverage will include elections, candidates and campaign finances, city and county government, public infrastructure and transportation.
The government accountability reporter will pursue enterprise stories essential to our readers that hold leaders and institutions accountable while also producing daily utility and breaking work related to the beat. Some of this work will be completed in collaboration with the Telegraph’s Center for Collaborative Journalism partners.
Qualifications:
- College degree
- 3+ years working in a daily newsroom
- Ability to write clean, concise copy
- A strong appreciation for the role analytics plays in story selection and direction
- A strong commitment to journalism ethics, fairness and accuracy is a must
- Ability to engage with readers and develop sources on social media platforms including but not limited to Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
- Understanding of SEO and other optimization opportunities and a demonstrated ability to learn new skills in social and digital
- Ability to identify audiences for selected stories
- Must have a valid driver’s license
- Must have vehicle insurance (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works)
- Must have reliable transportation
NOTE: Applications must include a cover letter (no more than one page) and at least five clips/story links.
This full-time position includes a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package including 401(k) match and 3 weeks of vacation.
About the Telegraph
The Telegraph is a newspaper in Macon, Georgia that publishes seven days a week (six in print). The newsroom is located on the Mercer University campus as part of the Center for Collaborative Journalism, a joint initiative of Mercer, the Telegraph, 13WMAZ and Georgia Public Broadcasting.
The Telegraph covers Macon-Bibb County, a consolidated city-county with more than 150,000 people that boasts a rich musical heritage as the hometown of Little Richard, Otis Redding and members of the Allman Brothers Band. The Telegraph also covers surrounding counties, including Houston County, home to Warner Robins and Robins Air Force Base, one of the state’s largest employers.