Crime Hunter Content Specialist

McClatchy; Sacramento (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with match

Generous PTO

Wellness resources

Job summary

McClatchy’s Crime Hunter Content Innovation Lab seeks a Civic investigator of storytelling who can research, report and write compelling true crime features at scale. You’ll pitch, edit, and fact-check stories using data and AI tools to surface trends and engage readers.

You have 3+ years in content creation or journalism, strong writing and editing skills, and a collaborative mindset ready to work in a fast-paced team driving the brand's credibility and audience growth.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of professional content creation, writing or journalism experience.
• Bachelor-level education or equivalent required.
• Ability to produce high-quality content on deadline and edit rigorously.

Responsibilities

• Develop gripping crime stories and features illuminating justice and community impact.
• Collaborate with a team to experiment with new formats and digital storytelling techniques.
• Use audience analytics and AI-powered tools to guide reporting and engage readers.
• Maintain speed and quality in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Skills

Writing

Editing

Organization

Data analytics

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

Illuminate the Stories That Matter: Crime Hunter Content Specialist McClatchy Content Innovation Lab

Are you captivated by real-life mysteries, the pursuit of justice and the ways crime shapes culture? Join McClatchys Content Innovation Lab as a specialist for Crime Hunter a new, national digital brand dedicated to exploring the cases that fascinate us, the people and systems behind them, and the cultural impact of true crime.

At McClatchy, were blending our legacy of credible reporting with a digital-first, audience-driven approach. As a Crime Hunter specialist, youll write gripping, high-quality content delving into current cases, historical mysteries, legal processes, and the documentaries, books, and podcasts that shape how these stories are told. Youll use data, audience insights, and AI-enabled tools to surface trends, guide your storytelling and connect with readers.

What you'll do:

• Develop and produce gripping stories and features that illuminate crime, justice and community impact.
• Collaborate with a dynamic team to experiment with new formats and digital storytelling techniques, maximizing reach and engagement.
• Use audience analytics and emerging technologies to inform your reporting and connect with true crime communities.
• Embrace a fast-paced, collaborative environment where curiosity, adaptability, and results are celebrated.
• Help shape Crime Hunter into a trusted destination for readers seeking credible, insightful and thought-provoking crime coverage.

Who you are:

• A creative storyteller with a passion for true crime and demonstrated subject matter expertise, who is ready to pitch, research, report, write, edit and fact-check content.
• Experienced in digital content creation at a high volume, with strong writing, editing and organizational skills.
• Comfortable using data and AI-powered tools to guide your work and amplify your impact.
• Collaborative, inquisitive and excited to experiment with new ways to engage audiences.

What youll bring:

• The position requires a combination of subject matter knowledge and experience equivalent to a bachelors degree, including education, experience, skills and knowledge necessary to perform the job.
• 3+ years of professional experience in related content creation, writing or journalism.
• Strong writing, editing and organizational skills with the ability to produce high-quality content on deadline.
• Inquisitive mindset with a constant flow of ideas and creative approaches to content creation.
• Adaptability and flexibility to experiment relentlessly and pivot quickly based on results.
• Collaborative spirit with a proven track record of working effectively in team environments.

What we’ll bring:

• The anticipated pay range for this position is between $60,000-90,000 a year. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on the job-related knowledge, department equity, skills, experience and relevant education.
• Enjoy competitive pay, comprehensive benefits, 401(k) with match, generous PTO, wellness resources and more. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

Join us at Crime Hunter and help build a brand where every story seeks the truth, serves the public and brings clarity to the mysteries that matter.

Salary/Compensation: $60,000 - $90,000 per year