Accountability Reporter — Data-Driven Investigations

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a public-interest journalist to lead accountability reporting in Erie County. You will investigate governance, spending and outcomes, building sources and using data to illuminate how public promises translate into results.

The role emphasizes enterprise storytelling, collaboration across beats, and producing video content for broad audiences. Experience with AI tools and digital strategies is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven record of strong reporting and enterprise journalism.
• Ability to develop sources and build trust across diverse communities.
• Strong news judgment and accountability reporting instincts.
• Experience using public records, data and document-driven reporting.
• Excellent interviewing, research and storytelling skills.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of digital audience needs, SEO and social media strategy.
• Experience producing or appearing in video journalism is preferred.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to accurate, fair reporting.
• Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and within the USA TODAY Network.
• Comfort balancing breaking news demands with longer-term enterprise projects.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, engages and empowers audiences.
• Produces accountability and enterprise journalism focused on government performance, transparency and public outcomes.
• Develops deep sourcing among residents, community leaders, public officials and institutional stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains long-term reporting arcs that track promises, implementation efforts and measurable outcomes.
• Uses data, public records and document-driven reporting to uncover trends and hold institutions accountable.
• Produces video, social and digital storytelling that expands the reach and impact of reporting.
• Collaborates with audience, visual, investigative and beat reporters across the newsroom.
• Works with content and audience strategists to identify information needs and strengthen community engagement.
• Captures basic photos and video when appropriate.
• Promotes personal brand, newsroom brands and the USA TODAY Network mission.
• Provides outstanding service journalism by helping readers find answers and navigate public systems.

Skills

Strong reporting

Enterprise journalism

Source development

Data & records use

Interviewing skills

SEO & digital strategy

Video journalism

AI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a public-interest journalist to lead accountability reporting in Erie County. You will investigate governance, spending and outcomes, building sources and using data to illuminate how public promises translate into results.

The role emphasizes enterprise storytelling, collaboration across beats, and producing video content for broad audiences. Experience with AI tools and digital strategies is encouraged.