Politics Reporter III

USA Today Ohio Network’s state news team is seeking a curious, enterprising politics reporter to join one of the largest teams in the state covering Ohio politics in Columbus and around the state.

This reporter will produce scoops and insightful analysis for key audiences, including people who closely follow politics and people who usually don’t. The reporter will produce exclusive enterprise and daily stories that will resonate locally or across the state.

The focus is on what state government is doing to impact the lives of Ohioans. It is a job where the reporter will identify trends and hot topics and work with our other education reporters around the state and in the network.

The right candidate will have a knack for injecting real people into stories about policy. Being able to explain legislative debates to readers with easy-to-understand writing and make them care about laws passed is key. Digital journalism is a priority.

This reporter will quickly post news online and pivot to explaining what it means for our readers. As part of the USA Today Network, this reporter looks for opportunities to tell Ohio stories to a national audience. Experience covering state-level politics and elections preferred and knowledge of Ohio politics is a plus, but not required.

The politics reporter will work with others on a team covering the governor, Statehouse, Supreme Court and state issues and fill in for teammates as needed. The team’s mission is to explain to readers how action – or inaction – at the state level affects their daily lives. Every member of the team is expected to do investigation and watchdog work.

The state team works for 21 Gannett news organizations including three of the largest in the state: The Columbus Dispatch, The Cincinnati Enquirer and The Akron Beacon Journal. The team’s stories run statewide and occasionally on USA Today. The state team collaborates with reporters in other newsrooms to tell stories that help readers better understand our state.

Responsibilities

Translates politics to real-world news consumers with clear writing, using strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” context.
Tells stories in real time, breaking news online and updating stories incrementally as more information becomes available.
Informs through news stories, explainers, live chats, podcasts and other means of non-traditional storytelling and audience engagement. Represents team on local and national news outlets.
Builds digital audience and uses audience data to find stories that matter to readers.
Collaborates with digital team members and visual journalists to tell stories with photos, videos and other visual elements.
Works toward becoming the leading source for Ohio political news in the state.
Maintains a presence on social media.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
At least three to five years reporting and writing experience, preferably covering local or state politics or government.
Understanding of metrics, social media and SEO.
Self-motivation and self-direction.
Ability to work a flexible schedule, including rare weekends and evenings
A willingness to work with others and share bylines to achieve the best journalism.

How to apply

About

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. 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’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.