County Government Reporter

Summary:

The San Diego Union-Tribune is seeking an enterprising reporter to cover San Diego County government and regional politics, from the Board of Supervisors to the metropolitan planning agency to congressional and legislative delegations, with a focus on enterprise reporting and accountability. Candidate should be interested in both politics and their human-level implications and eager to develop their approach to the beat and their investigative skills.

The issues this reporter will cover have serious impacts: A high-profile election that will determine the balance of power in California’s second-largest county, and a Board of Supervisors divided until then on how to respond to federal incursion. A regional planning agency torn between urban and suburban factions, and struggling to overcome scandal. Elected officials who draw national interest — some for their influence, some for their improprieties.

The San Diego Union-Tribune’s county government and politics reporter will cover all these and then some. They’ll be the newsroom’s expert on how county government works (and doesn’t), and for whom. They’ll monitor county business, state legislation and more for news worth covering and stories worth deeper exploration. They’ll help hold the region’s state and federal lawmakers to account. And they’ll serve as the newsroom’s key contact with election officials.

Qualifications are somewhat flexible, and candidates whose qualifications differ from those listed below are encouraged to apply and highlight their unique background in their cover letter.

This job is based in San Diego, in a mostly remote newsroom. Employees can apply to work entirely from the office or use a hybrid or remote model, working partly or entirely from home.

What you will do:

• Report on county-level government and politics, countywide political issues, agencies such as the San Diego County Association of Governments and local lawmakers and issues in the state Legislature and Congress

• Produce a mix of news stories, enterprise, features, explanatory journalism and records- and data-driven accountability reporting

• Establish and nurture relationships with sources — policymakers, staff, experts, advocates and more — and skill in obtaining and analyzing public records and data

• Engage regularly with local communities, and develop creative, solutions-oriented journalism that serves their needs

• Habitually hold leaders and institutions to account, developing regular checks of legal filings, required disclosures and other public records into beat reporting

• Routinely pitch, discuss and develop story ideas with a supervising editor

• Collaborate regularly — with photographers, investigative reporters and other beat reporters — and contribute to an inclusive, positive culture of teamwork

• Pitch in on occasional weekend and holiday reporting shifts 

• Keep informed and up-to-date on regional issues, policy, news, trends and best practices

What you will bring:

• At least 3 years of reporting experience, including on local government, politics and policy

• Solid grasp of and interest in reporting on local, state and/or federal government

• Understanding of San Diego County, its subregions and the issues residents care about, and/or an appetite to learn more

• Strong news judgment, ability to prioritize and meet deadlines and interpersonal, critical-thinking and problem-solving skills

• Skill in digesting complex subjects and presenting them in a clear, engaging way

• Mastery of various journalistic writing forms, including narrative and explanatory styles

• Inclusive approach and ability to work collaboratively and adaptively in a team setting

• Commitment to fundamentals of journalism — skepticism, fairness, accuracy and accessibility — and to serving and reflecting San Diego County’s diverse communities

• Creative spirit, digital-first mindset and experience with community engagement

• Skill in Spanish or another language other than English (preferred but not required)

• Familiarity with California state government, the legislative process and/or Congress (preferred but not required)

• Fluency in public records, data analysis, other investigative techniques and/or data graphics tools (preferred but not required)

• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly range is $26.44 - $29.33. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: http://www.mybensite.com/sdut

Who we are:

The San Diego Union-Tribune, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is San Diego’s largest media company and its oldest business, dating back to the founding of the Union in 1868. Today, Union-Tribune publications reach more than 96 percent of San Diego County households each week. The company portfolio includes its Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper, The San Diego Union-Tribune; the region’s leading website, SanDiegoUnionTribune.com; weekly entertainment guide Night + Day; lifestyle magazine Pacific San Diego; The San Diego Union-Tribune en Español; and nine community newspapers: the La Jolla Light; Del Mar Times; Encinitas Advocate; Solana Beach Sun; Carmel Valley Times; Poway News Chieftain; Rancho Santa Fe Review; Ramona Sentinel and Rancho Bernardo News Journal.

Part of the mission of The San Diego Union-Tribune is to build a stronger, more inclusive San Diego, through our coverage and our community events. A diverse, inclusive, transparent workplace is instrumental in that effort. To better reflect and serve the community, the Union-Tribune is sharing the demographic data of its staff and management team and will track it over time to measure improvement.

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here: https://myworkdaycenter.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/MNG/job/San-Diego-California/County-Government-Reporter_R2377. Along with your resume, please include a cover letter and work samples.

Closing Date:

• Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment: 

• A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation

• Travel – This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, training sessions, and/or in-person meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

• Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours