Investigative Labor Reporter: Michigan Workforce

Gannett; Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 52,000 - 76,000; Full time

Job summary

The Lansing State Journal, part of Gannett, is seeking a journalist passionate about labor and issues affecting Michigan's workforce, including state employees in Lansing and across the state. The reporter will cover staffing levels, pay, benefits, work-from-home trends, and office space while aiming to expand local and statewide readership.

The beat emphasizes enterprise and investigative reporting, developing sources, using public records, and holding officials accountable, with collaboration

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or equivalent.
• Minimum of two years of reporting experience.
• Energetic self-starter and quick thinker who can identify stories that matter.
• Ability to multitask and perform well under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Proficiency in social media platforms (Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, Reddit) with experience engaging readers in public space.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills with knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of media law and ethical conduct.
• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Identifies key issues through source development, data analysis and document reporting.
• Shapes coverage with independent judgment and strategic insight.
• Collaborates closely with editors to set priorities and deadlines.
• Produces highimpact, multiplatform work with a disciplined approach.
• Uses audience metrics to inform coverage plans and meet reader needs.
• Writes clearly and concisely, with strong nut graphs and clear relevance.
• Develops and executes distribution and optimization strategies.
• Delivers strong reader service, helping audiences find answers and solutions.
• Builds trust and credibility within the coverage area.

Skills

News reporting

Multitasking

Collaboration

Social media

AP style

Writing

Headlines

Story development

Photo/video on iPhone

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or journalism

Tools

iPhone photo/video editing

Job description

The Lansing State Journal, part of Gannett, is seeking a journalist passionate about labor and issues affecting Michigan's workforce, including state employees in Lansing and across the state. The reporter will cover staffing levels, pay, benefits, work-from-home trends, and office space while aiming to expand local and statewide readership.

The beat emphasizes enterprise and investigative reporting, developing sources, using public records, and holding officials accountable, with collaboration