Reporter, South County

Voice of San Diego is seeking a reporter to investigate and follow stories in the cities and neighborhoods in South County. This reporter will explain and dig into pressing policy, government and regional issues. The reporter will also take time to draw out the stories and characters who are shaping the communities’ future. The impacts of decisions made by political leaders are often hard to follow and we have made it our mission to translate and explain them. This reporter will do that by gathering and analyzing facts through interviews, investigations and observations.

Our small newsroom cannot afford to cover every story. We have distinguished ourselves by digging deeply into specific storylines that illuminate San Diego how it is. We try to make sense of what leaders are saying and uncover what they don’t want revealed. We encourage reporters to be creative in how they approach stories, and, over time, this reporter could develop into a leading light.

The reporter should expect to cover local governments and institutions and explore communities that are not often covered or individuals with stories we don’t often read in the news. This reporter will produce the South County Report on a bi-weekly basis. Sometimes people do make positive change and overcome longstanding challenges and we hope to tell those stories as well.

Voice of San Diego has a unique approach to local journalism. We encourage conversational, engaging writing. We believe complexity is a form of elitism and that journalists are educators to help residents understand their communities, public policy discussions, plans and finances.

We are looking for someone who:

• Brings new perspective and ideas to the newsroom from experience in journalism and other pursuits.
• Has experience writing and reporting on local politics, neighborhoods and communities and how broader economic, policy and environmental forces affect them.

Voice of San Diego has been a pioneering investigative, nonprofit news organization for 19 years. Our writers have the freedom and responsibility to tackle the biggest issues in the region. We believe San Diego is strong enough to face its most uncomfortable and intractable problems. But we also seek to educate, enlighten and entertain readers who care about San Diego's future and want an excellent and just government.

See our Guidelines for New Reporters for more about our unique approach.

Compensation is commensurate with experience. Minimum salary is $70,000. Compensation includes health, life, and disability insurance plus a 401k savings plan and company match.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

1. Write stories on topics assigned and/or approved by the Managing Editor.
2. Write and assist with daily, weekly and biweekly newsletters.
3. Form concepts for feature stories.
4. Respond to breaking news developments.
5. Meet regularly with editors to discuss priorities, updates, potential stories and deadlines.
6. Check reference materials such as books, news files, and public records including criminal and civil court files for additional relevant facts.
7. Take photographs or request photographic support to improve story coverage.
8. Develop and maintain productive, informative and respectful relationships that support the achievement of Voice of San Diego’s mission statement.
9. Follow all company and department policies and procedures.
10. Perform other duties as assigned.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES: None

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements following this paragraph are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, communications or a related/equivalent degree; or experience reporting and writing at a news organization.
• Demonstrable understanding of libel and public records law.
• Experience writing and publishing for digital platforms in a fast paced, daily newsroom.