Government accountability reporter

The Columbus Dispatch/dispatch.com, locatedin the fastest-growing city in the Midwest and part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seekingan aggressive, digitally savvy government accountability reporter.

The ideal candidate is passionate about serving audiences, holding the powerful to account, breaking news and pushing harder to uncover injustices and to ensure that locally elected and state officials and agenciesare serving the public fairlyand honestly.

This person should be an experienced investigative reporter and skillful storyteller who knows how to buildsources quickly, is a relentless pursuer of public records and is adept at tracking campaign finance data and examining government contracts and spending.

The successful candidate should expect to work onquick-turn investigations as well as long-term, detailed projects that inspire change and improve lives.

We’relooking for someone with solid experience covering state or federal agencies, handling FOIAand public-records reporting, and identifyingunique and untold stories of wrongdoing that can be made right.

Responsibilities:

• Write regularly,off breaking and enterprise news,while balancing monthly and quarterly enterprise projects.

• Provideclear analysis of complex issues.

• Monitor audience needs and expectations

• Connect with the community through storytelling, building trust and loyalty.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• At least five years of reporting experience.

• Energeticself-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.

• Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.

• High-level writing, communication, and time management skills.

• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.

• Strong communicationskills and news judgment.

• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.

• Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Instagram and Reddit, and experience engaging readers in this public space.

• Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style.

• Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct.

• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’tlimit your upload to a resume; show us what you’vedone. 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 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’veproduced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

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.

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