Money, Power & Influence Reporter

USA-Today-Co.; Florida; On-site; USD 33,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK in Miami is seeking a Money, Power & Influence Reporter to cover South Florida's intertwined money, politics and development, working with the state team.

You will produce breaking news, watchdog investigations and enterprise features, cultivating high-level sources and translating complex financial and political issues into clear, compelling journalism that serves readers across markets.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in journalism, communications or related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of reporting experience, preferably in business, politics, government, investigations or accountability journalism.
• Demonstrated ability to break news and produce exclusive enterprise reporting.
• Strong source-building and interviewing skills.
• Experience with data journalism and investigative techniques is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Break exclusive stories involving government, business, development, lobbying, campaign finance, economic power and influential decision-makers.
• Track major real estate and development projects, following the money behind transformative projects and public-private partnerships.
• Examine how political, business and civic leaders shape public policy, economic growth and community outcomes.
• Build and maintain a sophisticated source network that includes elected officials, executives, developers, investors, attorneys, lobbyists, nonprofit leaders and community advocates.
• Investigate campaign spending, government contracts, regulatory decisions and influence networks.
• Analyze public records, financial disclosures, corporate filings, campaign finance reports and property records.
• Produce accountability journalism that reveals who benefits, who is affected and what readers need to know.
• Collaborate with reporters across Florida to connect regional stories to statewide and national trends.
• Develop video, social and newsletter content that expands the reach and impact of key stories.
• Pursue stories from inception through aftermath, tracking consequences and holding institutions accountable over time.

Skills

Source-building

Investigative reporting

Public records

Data journalism

Multimedia storytelling

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or related field

Tools

Public records databases

Job description

Money, Power & Influence Reporter, based in Miami and working as part of the state team

South Florida is one of the most consequential regions in the nation, where politics, development, business, wealth, international investment and public policy intersect daily. This position supports Florida's One Team strategy by producing enterprise and accountability journalism that can drive readership across multiple markets while establishing the network as the leading source of reporting on power and influence in Florida.

South Florida is one of the most dynamic, complex and consequential regions in America, where billion-dollar development deals, political power, corporate interests, international investment and cultural influence intersect every day.

We're seeking an ambitious, competitive and deeply curious Money, Power & Influence Reporter to cover the individuals, institutions and networks shaping South Florida's future. This reporter will deliver exclusive accountability journalism, break news, follow the money, explain how decisions are made behind closed doors and reveal the impact on residents, businesses and communities.

The ideal candidate thrives on cultivating high-level sources, uncovering hidden connections and translating complex financial, political and business issues into compelling journalism that resonates with a broad audience. This reporter will produce a mix of breaking news, watchdog reporting, investigations, enterprise features, analysis, video and audience-focused explainers.

This beat spans Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties and examines how money and influence flow through politics, business, development, real estate, philanthropy, sports, higher education and major cultural institutions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Break exclusive stories involving government, business, development, lobbying, campaign finance, economic power and influential decision-makers.
• Track major real estate and development projects, following the money behind transformative projects and public-private partnerships.
• Examine how political, business and civic leaders shape public policy, economic growth and community outcomes.
• Build and maintain a sophisticated source network that includes elected officials, executives, developers, investors, attorneys, lobbyists, nonprofit leaders and community advocates.
• Investigate campaign spending, government contracts, regulatory decisions and influence networks.
• Analyze public records, financial disclosures, corporate filings, campaign finance reports and property records.
• Produce accountability journalism that reveals who benefits, who is affected and what readers need to know.
• Collaborate with reporters across Florida to connect regional stories to statewide and national trends.
• Develop video, social and newsletter content that expands the reach and impact of key stories.
• Pursue stories from inception through aftermath, tracking consequences and holding institutions accountable over time.

What You'll Cover:

• Real estate development and growth
• Wealth, philanthropy and influence
• Corporate power and economic development
• Government transparency and accountability
• Sports, entertainment and cultural power centers and people
• Housing, affordability and economic opportunity
• Emerging industries and innovation
• The individuals and institutions driving South Florida's future

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 3-5 years of reporting experience, preferably covering business, politics, government, investigations or accountability journalism.
• Demonstrated ability to break news and produce exclusive enterprise reporting.
• Strong source-building and interviewing skills.
• Experience working with public records, databases and financial documents.
• Ability to explain complex subjects with clarity and authority.
• Strong news judgment and understanding of audience interests.
• Experience with data journalism and investigative techniques is preferred.
• Ability to collaborate across newsroom teams and contribute to statewide coverage.
• Multimedia skills, including video and social storytelling, are a plus.

The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.28and $37.94. Variable incentive compensation, including commissions, is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. Exact compensation may vary based on skills, experience, education level, location, and union representation, if applicable