Investigative Reporter

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel/jsonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a thoughtful and driven reporter to focus on chasing tips, uncovering injustice and addressing critical information needs in the Latino community in Milwaukee and Wisconsin.

We’re hoping to find a reporter who is wired for quick-turn pieces, as much as in-depth enterprise work — who sees no story as too big or too small.

A central part of this job is reporting quick-hit investigative stories under a revival of our Public Investigator banner. Under this initiative, the reporter will pursue tips from readers about abuses of power, scams and incompetence, with a focus on getting action from those responsible. One day, this reporter may be reporting on why the street light on a certain block has been broken for months; the next, they may be finding out if a dairy farm is exploiting its international workers. This reporter will not only investigate wrongdoing, but will also fill in information gaps in the community by answering readers’ questions, highlighting solutions, explaining who is responsible, and creating guides and resources.

When appropriate, this reporter will go for a deeper look by pursuing more traditional, in-depth investigations into issues of importance for the state’s Latino community. The reporter should have a finely tuned sense of outrage, and a track record of uncovering wrongdoing and getting accountability. The ideal candidate can balance long-term investigative projects with a regular cadence of Public Investigator stories.

Spanish fluency is preferred, but not required. More importantly, the successful applicant will have demonstrated experience building relationships and developing sources in marginalized communities through various outreach methods, from social platforms to neighborhood events to street-level reporting. We are seeking someone who can bring fresh ideas for community engagement, such as working with neighborhood groups to help distribute important news or partnering with Spanish-language media outlets to share stories.

The reporter should also bring an audience-first mindset to the job and understand that we must reach community members where they are — both in-person and online platforms. The ideal candidate is comfortable using alternative formats to tell stories, from search-friendly Q&As to TikTok videos.

Responsibilities:

Tell stories in ways that inform and engage audiences.
Reach audiences where they are — using the formats and platforms that they prefer.
Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice and source of information.
Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.)
Provides thoughtful analyses and explanations of complex issues.
Work with content strategist to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy community needs.
Collaborate with audience and visual teams to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Capture basic photos and video as needed.
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Help readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Work samples that demonstrate storytelling techniques on multiple platforms.
Proven experience producing accurate reports under deadline pressure, in a style that resonates with mobile and social audiences.
Proficiency on social media platforms including, but not limited to, TikTok, Instagram and Reddit.
Effective communicator; able to get along with diverse personalities.
Strong news judgement and ability to multitask.
Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills; familiarity with AP style.
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 post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check and drug screen.

Application Instructions:

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.

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.