Sarasota City/County Government Reporter

The Sarasota Herald-Tribune, part of the USA TODAY Network, is seeking a curious, skilled, persistent reporter to join an ambitious team covering local news and issues, espcially linked to growth and development in this rapidly changing, news-producing area.

This is not a job where the reporter recounts what happened “at council” today. It is a job where the reporter will identify trends and hot topics, pivot between different topics, breaking news and enterprise, and consistently produce content that resonates with our current readers and helps us grow our audience and reach our goals. The reporter must be attuned to political trends, alliances and influence in polarizing times and deliver coverage that holds public officials accountable and helps readers make informed decisions about their community.

The ideal candidate will:

Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
Produce storytelling journalism that meets audience needs and interests on multiple platforms.
Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
Act as a public ambassador through community outreach.

We are seeking a journalist who wants to lead coverage for the region and the state, excels at source development and enjoys speaking with real people. We need a reporter who isn’t afraid to ask the hard questions and doesn’t settle for limits set by PIO gatekeepers. Experience with public records requests, deciphering contracts and financial documents, and working with databases is preferred.

Equity and inclusion are central to our reporting, and we need a reporter who shares the mission of including the vast array of viewpoints in our communities. The Sarasota area is vibrant, with people moving from a variety of states, as well as internationally, to the community. Our ideal candidate delivers aggressive, forward-looking work that breaks news, highlights disparities in an area that is increasingly split between those with higher incomes and the service workers who move here for jobs, and holds public officials to account for their actions.

The successful candidate has the news judgment and vision to shift old narratives and find new ways to engage with our audiences. The candidate also demonstrates empathy and comfort with nuance.

The reporter must show a keen eye for development issues and important details found in public records. The reporter must consistently – and persistently – dig below the surface and write with clarity and uncommon skill.

Versatility is essential, as coverage will stretch from the needs of a city’s most vulnerable residents to city and county commission races to service journalism.

The position comes with onboarding support, training opportunities and career advancement opportunities across the network.

Responsibilities:

Become the community’s leading voice on your beat.
Connect with the community through storytelling.
Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Work with your editor and digital partners to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
Collaborate with photographers to provide all appropriate elements for stories. Capture basic photos and video as needed.
Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.

Requirements:

Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability.
Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
Proficiency on social media platforms; including but not limited to Facebook, X/Threads, Instagram and Reddit, and experience engaging readers in this public space.
Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter.
Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone.
Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure.
Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
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’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.