Criminal Justice & Accountability Reporter

The Bellingham Herald is seeking a tenacious, detail-oriented reporter to join our newsroom and focus on criminal justice and government accountability in Whatcom County, Washington. This role is crucial in our mission to inform the public and hold local institutions accountable.

Located in Bellingham, Washington, we operate in a vibrant area for news, while being part of a community that offers a high quality of life. The city is growing, with a dynamic arts scene, a variety of unique restaurants, and abundant opportunities for outdoor recreation — from kayaking on the Sound to hiking in the nearby national parks and Mount Baker. Plus, we’re only 90 miles from Seattle and 45 miles from Vancouver, B.C., providing local charm with easy access to big-city amenities.

We're looking for someone who can dive deep into complex issues, explain them clearly to our readers, and produce impactful journalism that serves our community. The ideal candidate will be passionate about transparency in government and committed to fair, balanced reporting. Join us in our mission to deliver vital information to our readers and hold power to account in Whatcom County.

Key Responsibilities:

Cover local law enforcement agencies, courts, and correctional facilities
Investigate and report on government operations, policies, and spending
Develop sources within criminal justice and government circles
Analyze public records and data to uncover trends and issues
Produce in-depth, investigative stories that impact our community
Collaborate with other reporters and editors on cross-beat projects
Engage with the community to identify important stories and concerns

Qualifications:

College degree or equivalent experience
Two or more years of journalism experience, preferably covering criminal justice or government
Strong writing and editing skills with attention to accuracy and detail
Proficiency in data analysis and public records requests
Ability to work under deadline pressure and manage multiple projects
Experience with digital storytelling and social media
Knowledge of media law and ethical journalism practices

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $21.63 and $26.44 per hour at 40 hours a week. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education

What we offer:
As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, and collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package reflects this commitment. Focused on health, well-being, wealth, and daily life, our offerings include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources, and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off, corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With a dedicated support team and a focus on your well-being as a key corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits that support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plans, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

To apply:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 4-6 examples of your work that demonstrate your investigative and storytelling skills.