Community News Reporter: Local Impact & Storytelling

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Decatur (IL); On-site; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Village Media is hiring five versatile Reporters for Illinois communities, including Decatur. This remote role requires residency in the designated community, with compensation of 50,000 USD per year.

You will cover breaking news, features, and high-impact stories, building trust through accurate, nonpartisan reporting while engaging with readers and local events. The role demands strong writing, flexibility to cover town halls and local events, and a reliable vehicle for mobility around the

Qualifications

• Relentless curiosity and commitment to fairness, accuracy and integrity.
• Strong news-gathering and writing skills; ability to supplement reporting with photography.
• Thrives in a hyper-local newsroom with tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• Ability to listen to community feedback to drive solutions-oriented reporting.
• Valid driver’s license and a reliable vehicle; local coverage requires mobility.

Responsibilities

• Local coverage: break news, features, and high-impact stories reflecting community life.
• Build community trust with factual accuracy and nonpartisan reporting.
• Pitch and pursue stories aligned with reader interests using metrics and feedback.
• Collaborate with the Community Coordinator on CARES initiatives and local conversations.

Skills

Relentless curiosity

Fairness and integrity

News-gathering and writing

Photography skills

Deadline-driven

Active listening

Driver's license & vehicle

Job description

Village Media is hiring five versatile Reporters for Illinois communities, including Decatur. This remote role requires residency in the designated community, with compensation of 50,000 USD per year.

You will cover breaking news, features, and high-impact stories, building trust through accurate, nonpartisan reporting while engaging with readers and local events. The role demands strong writing, flexibility to cover town halls and local events, and a reliable vehicle for mobility around the