Accountability Reporter: Turning Promises into Outcomes

Gannett; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Erie Times-News and GoErie.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, seeks an ambitious public trust journalist to explain how public institutions shape life in Erie County, PA. This reporter focuses on outcomes, uses records and data, and builds community sources to report on governance, transparency, and public spending.

The role emphasizes accountability journalism across beats, with video storytelling and AI-assisted tools to connect residents with clear, actionable information.

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

Proven reporting abilities

Enterprise journalism

Source development

Data and records analysis

Interviewing & storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Erie Times-News and GoErie.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, seeks an ambitious public trust journalist to explain how public institutions shape life in Erie County, PA. This reporter focuses on outcomes, uses records and data, and builds community sources to report on governance, transparency, and public spending.

The role emphasizes accountability journalism across beats, with video storytelling and AI-assisted tools to connect residents with clear, actionable information.