Investigative Reporter

Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc; Austin (TX); On-site; USD 63,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Austin Free Press is seeking a self-starting reporter for ambitious investigative and enterprise journalism covering Austin and Central Texas. The role focuses on original reporting that informs and empowers local communities and shines a light on government transparency, growth impacts, climate, and accountability.

Ideal candidates have a track record of impactful reporting, strong ethics, and the ability to work with editors, data specialists, and other reporters to develop exclusive stories

Qualifications

• Minimum 3 years of professional reporting experience.
• Experience with data and public records in reporting.
• Strong writing, reporting, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to develop exclusive, consequential stories.
• Collaborative, fast-paced news environment experience.
• Familiarity with Austin/Texas public affairs is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce in-depth investigative and enterprise stories.
• Balance long-form investigations with timely reporting.
• Nationalize local stories or localize national trends.
• Identify and obtain relevant data and public records; analyze findings.
• Craft clear nut graphs and narrative structures.
• Work with editors, data specialists, and reporters.
• Conduct deep research with analytical skills.
• Prioritize accuracy, fairness, and ethical standards.

Skills

Writing skills

Reporting skills

Storytelling

Data analysis

Public records

Collaboration

Multitasking

Job description

Location: Based in Austin or Central Texas area.

Compensation: $63,000-$67,000, commensurate with experience. The job is fulltime.

Experience

Minimum of 3 years of professional reporting experience, preferably with a proven record in investigative or enterprise journalism.

Position Overview

We are seeking a self-starting, enterprising reporter dedicated to original, revelatory journalism that informs and empowers the Austin and Central Texas community. The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of impactful reporting and a deep commitment to ethical, accurate journalism, using diverse sources. That person will pursue ambitious stories - from scrutinizing local government transparency and exploring the effects of rapid growth on communities of color, to uncovering climate and environmental challenges in a technology hub and exposing cronyism or corruption.

Responsibilities

• Develop and produce in-depth investigative and enterprise stories that elevate hidden or underserved issues.
• Balance a mix of long-form investigations and timely, shorter-term reporting.
• Nationalize local stories or localize national trends.
• Identify and obtain relevant data and public records; analyze findings for meaningful insights.
• Craft clear, compelling nut graphs and narrative structures.
• Work closely and collaboratively with editors, data specialists, and other reporters.
• Conduct deep research with strong analytical and interpretive skills.
• Prioritize accuracy, fairness, and ethical standards with excellent news judgment.

Requirements

• Some experience covering local, state, or federal government.
• Solid writing, reporting, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated expertise in using data and public records in reporting.
• Ability to identify and develop exclusive, consequential stories - especially those overlooked by others.
• Nimble multitasker comfortable in a dynamic, fast-paced news environment.
• Solid interpersonal skills; works well in a collaborative environment.
• Some familiarity with Austin and Texas public affairs is a plus.

About Austin Free Press

Austin Free Press is a fast-growing, independent news organization led by a nationally award-winning journalist with four decades of experience. Now two years old, our mission is to hold power accountable, shine a light on overlooked issues, and provide watchdog reporting on challenges facing underserved communities. Austin Free Press is dedicated to building a newsroom that reflects the communities we serve.