Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc.; Erie (Erie County); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is seeking a public-interest journalist to lead accountability reporting in Erie County. You will investigate governance, spending and outcomes, building sources and using data to illuminate how public promises translate into results.

The role emphasizes enterprise storytelling, collaboration across beats, and producing video content for broad audiences. Experience with AI tools and digital strategies is encouraged.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven record of strong reporting and enterprise journalism.
• Ability to develop sources and build trust across diverse communities.
• Strong news judgment and accountability reporting instincts.
• Experience using public records, data and document-driven reporting.
• Excellent interviewing, research and storytelling skills.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of digital audience needs, SEO and social media strategy.
• Experience producing or appearing in video journalism is preferred.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to accurate, fair reporting.
• Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and within the USA TODAY Network.
• Comfort balancing breaking news demands with longer-term enterprise projects.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, engages and empowers audiences.
• Produces accountability and enterprise journalism focused on government performance, transparency and public outcomes.
• Develops deep sourcing among residents, community leaders, public officials and institutional stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains long-term reporting arcs that track promises, implementation efforts and measurable outcomes.
• Uses data, public records and document-driven reporting to uncover trends and hold institutions accountable.
• Produces video, social and digital storytelling that expands the reach and impact of reporting.
• Collaborates with audience, visual, investigative and beat reporters across the newsroom.
• Works with content and audience strategists to identify information needs and strengthen community engagement.
• Captures basic photos and video when appropriate.
• Promotes personal brand, newsroom brands and the USA TODAY Network mission.
• Provides outstanding service journalism by helping readers find answers and navigate public systems.

Skills

Strong reporting

Enterprise journalism

Source development

Data & records use

Interviewing skills

SEO & digital strategy

Video journalism

AI awareness

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY, and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest, a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ, supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers via Dayforce. Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit www.usatodayco.com.

Erie Times-News and GoErie.com

This is not a traditional government reporting role. We're looking for a reporter who understands that meaningful accountability journalism is about outcomes, not process. Rather than focusing on meetings and political statements, this reporter examines whether public promises produce results, how taxpayer dollars are spent and how decisions made by governments and public agencies affect people's lives.

The public trust and accountability reporter covers governance, transparency, public investment and institutional performance. They'll build sources throughout the community, use records and data to find answers and pursue the questions residents most want answered. Politicians and administrators are not the center of the story. Accountability is.

Coverage may include public spending, infrastructure, neighborhood conditions, budgets, government transparency, civic participation, boards and commissions and long-term tracking of major public initiatives. The reporter will work closely with colleagues covering housing, public safety, education, health and business, leading accountability reporting that cuts across every beat.

We're seeking a journalist who combines strong enterprise instincts with community engagement skills and a passion for helping residents navigate public systems. Video journalism is a core responsibility, and the successful candidate will regularly produce visual storytelling that explains complex issues and connects directly with audiences. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience using those tools to enhance their journalism.

Typical job duties

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, engages and empowers audiences.
• Produces accountability and enterprise journalism focused on government performance, transparency and public outcomes.
• Develops deep sourcing among residents, community leaders, public officials and institutional stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains long-term reporting arcs that track promises, implementation efforts and measurable outcomes.
• Uses data, public records and document-driven reporting to uncover trends and hold institutions accountable.
• Produces video, social and digital storytelling that expands the reach and impact of reporting.
• Collaborates with audience, visual, investigative and beat reporters across the newsroom.
• Works with content and audience strategists to identify information needs and strengthen community engagement.
• Captures basic photos and video when appropriate.
• Promotes personal brand, newsroom brands and the USA TODAY Network mission.
• Provides outstanding service journalism by helping readers find answers and navigate public systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven record of strong reporting and enterprise journalism.
• Ability to develop sources and build trust across diverse communities.
• Strong news judgment and accountability reporting instincts.
• Experience using public records, data and document-driven reporting.
• Excellent interviewing, research and storytelling skills.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of digital audience needs, SEO and social media strategy.
• Experience producing or appearing in video journalism is preferred.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to accurate, fair reporting.
• Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and within the USA TODAY Network.
• Comfort balancing breaking news demands with longer-term enterprise projects.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance.

About Erie County

Set on the shores of Lake Erie, Erie County offers journalists the chance to cover a community of more than 260,000 -- big enough to matter and small enough to make an impact. The region combines a freshwater coastline, rich history, vibrant arts and cultural amenities and abundant outdoor recreation with affordability and accessibility often missing in larger markets. Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are within easy driving distance. Yes, winters can be cold and snowy, but they are part of the region's character and resilience. For journalists who want their work to be seen, felt and remembered, Erie remains a place where strong reporting can genuinely make a difference.

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail]. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.