AI-Enabled Public Policy Reporter – Lubbock

USA-Today-Co.; Lubbock (TX); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a government and public policy reporter for Lubbock and the South Plains to cover impactful issues and produce watchdog journalism for local audiences.

The role emphasizes data-driven storytelling, public records access, and strong visual reporting in a hybrid newsroom. The reporter will work with a team to cover local government, Texas Tech University, and regional developments with AI-enabled tools, across print, web, and social platforms.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years’ reporting experience, which could include freelancing, internships, and college publication work.
• Adept at taking photos and video and will file quickly across platforms: mobile, desktop and social media.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy-editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and publication ready.
• Is passionate and enthusiastic about news and content that will work well with audiences on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• A desire to grow and develop a key beat in our newsroom.
• Is comfortable using social media such as X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc. to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced news environment and understands the digital first mission.

Responsibilities

• Create content (articles, videos, photos, etc.) about local news that accurately informs, entertains and engages key audiences and platforms through the use of metrics.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Work toward becoming the community’s leading voice for news and issues regarding government and public policy.
• Identify key concerns from community members, organizations and leaders
• Work with editors and other team members to evaluate what's working and what's not and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy audience needs.
• Collaborate with content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e., photos, videos, and graphics).
• Promote personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Skills

Reporting

Photo & Video

AI & Automation

Public Records Access

Digital Reporting

AP Style

Social Media

Education

Bachelor's or Master's in Communications/Journalism

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a government and public policy reporter for Lubbock and the South Plains to cover impactful issues and produce watchdog journalism for local audiences.

The role emphasizes data-driven storytelling, public records access, and strong visual reporting in a hybrid newsroom. The reporter will work with a team to cover local government, Texas Tech University, and regional developments with AI-enabled tools, across print, web, and social platforms.