Police Accountability Reporter

The Boston Globe is hiring an accountability reporter to cover the Boston Police Department, the state police, and other law enforcement agencies in New England as needed. We’re looking for a candidate who will provide watchdog coverage and write human stories about the intersection of policing and the criminal justice system. This reporter will focus on the lives of people most affected, including crime victims and communities of color, and spot trends in policing and crime. The selected reporter should expect to write a mix of spot news, accountability stories, and ambitious enterprise.

The ideal candidate is a versatile and fearless reporter with a high metabolism, someone who can write with depth, creativity, and flair. A few other qualities that would make you a good fit for this position:

Responsibilities:

You’re creative and enterprising. You see fresh angles to storylines everywhere. And can think creatively about how we approach stories and coverage.
You have familiarity with using legal documents, police records and data, and other such material to drive a story forward, as well as experience with public records requests.
You’re a digitally-savvy journalist who can inject urgency into coverage and understand the importance of delivering real-time information to the Globe’s digital subscribers.
You can write quickly and nimbly on deadline.
You’re a master at cultivating sources. You don’t get beaten by the competition.
You can handle the most important, sensitive stories the Globe covers.
You’re a collaborative reporter who likes being part of a team.
You’re mindful of how our stories affect the communities we serve.
Produce high-impact journalism, both daily and enterprise, for publication online and in print.
Seek out data and follow trends on crime, policing, and other criminal justice topics
Cover breaking crime news as needed with speed and accuracy
Work with visual and digital specialists to create rich, unforgettable displays, and embrace alternative storytelling formats.

Qualifications:

At least 3-5 years experience as a journalist at a major market or publication
Ability to write clean, compelling copy on deadline
A skilled writer who can elevate good stories into great ones
Adaptable and enterprising
A willingness to adapt and be audience focused, with a curious mindset and a commitment to creating an inclusive work environment
A team player who thrives in a group setting

The BGMP office is located in downtown Boston, near Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market, and is easily accessible by MBTA and commuter rail lines. This position is based in Boston, and candidates should be based in the area or willing to move.

This position is a union position covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Boston Newspaper Guild.