Local Government Reporter

Verite is a Black-led nonprofit news organization with a twofold mission to produce in-depth journalism that serves communities across New Orleans while training, developing and mentoring a new generation of journalists from underrepresented backgrounds.

Launched in 2022, Verite is seeking a Local Government Reporter to work with the managing editor and editor-in-chief to join a staff aimed at bolstering independent, nonpartisan journalism in the Deep South.
The ideal journalist for this role will be someone with five or more years of reporting or related experience who can thoughtfully develop daily/breaking news stories, deeper-dive investigative features and well-researched packages and projects.

This isn’t a standard City Hall reporting beat — our reporters focus on topics of everyday importance to New Orleanians. We’re looking for a candidate who can think and report critically on how local government institutions work and do not work for New Orleanians, especially on crucial issues such as housing, labor and infrastructure.

Expectations:
Lead coverage of local government in the New Orleans area, focusing on institutions including the Mayor’s Office, New Orleans City Council, the Sewerage & Water Board and the Housing Authority of New Orleans. This role has the opportunity to develop a specialty that intersects with Verite’s focus areas, such as housing, labor and/or infrastructure.
Collaborate with a team of journalists who are focused on social inequities and racial equality in our area.
Build trust with sources and readers.
Work with our audience team and data and visual journalists to create compelling story presentations.

Qualified candidates should have:
A bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field, or equivalent experience.
The ability to work quickly, but with accuracy and good news judgment.
Proficiency with AP style guidelines.
5 years’ experience as a journalist. (We’ll consider less experienced candidates with a track record of solid reporting.)
Ability to independently develop and cultivate sources.
Ability to use social media for research and to engage readers.
Digital storytelling skills and an open mind to trying new approaches to reaching audiences.

It’s a plus if you have:
Louisiana reporting experience.
Experience obtaining and working with public records.
A data journalism background.
Experience writing a combination of both quick-turn and enterprise stories.
A knowledge and understanding of nonprofit journalism.
Experience working in a collaborative newsroom setting.
What you’ll get:
Highly competitive salary with medical insurance, and options for vision and dental insurance.
Use of appropriate technology and equipment.
29 days paid time off.
Up to 12 weeks of parental family leave, with return-to-work flexibility.
Simple IRA with 3 percent company matching. Group-term life insurance provided to employees ($15,000 policy).
Support for professional training and attending industry conferences.
How to Apply:
We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people who are differently abled. We are aware that some otherwise qualified candidates may not meet all the criteria listed above. We encourage those candidates to apply.

Please send a cover letter, resume and five clips to dpenny@veritenews.org.