Local Government Reporter, INDY

The INDY is looking for an ambitious, talented reporter to cover local government in Durham with a focus on public schools. The INDY publishes a website, daily newsletter, and a bi-monthly print edition, and is part of The Assembly Network’s collection of local newsrooms bolstering and deepening journalism in North Carolina. 

This reporter will balance covering breaking news and beat reporting on Durham Public Schools Board of Education, as well as covering Durham City Council and County Commissioners meetings as needed. This person will be responsible for producing 3-4 stories a week.

This reporter will also have opportunities to do more ambitious, deeper stories of interest to local and statewide readers that arise from the beat. That can also include contributing to the INDY’s culture section and collaborating with The Assembly on longer-form investigative and feature stories. 

The ideal reporter for this role will have:

• At least three years of reporting experience, preferably at a daily newspaper
• An eye for accountability 
• An ear for narrative storytelling
• An ability to work both independently and as part of a team
• Original ideas about gaps in the local news landscape and how to fill them
• A desire to build relationships and develop a deep knowledge of the community
• A love of local journalism and government coverage

This role will report to the INDY’s editor-in-chief and will work closely with others across the organization.

Responsibilities:

• Pitch and produce daily stories and occasional breaking news stories of interest to Durham readers.
• Collaborate with other reporters and editors across the organization.
• Build and develop relationships with sources and community members.
• Cultivate a strong knowledge of the government beat.
• Adhere to reporting deadlines.
• Occasionally participate in community engagement opportunities, such as attending newsroom events for INDY readers.

Qualifications:

• Three years of reporting experience (though we will consider less or equivalent experience as well). Experience writing for a daily newspaper is preferred.
• Ability to write with a clear, engaging voice that connects with readers.
• Demonstrated experience in pitching and publishing stories with impact.
• Familiarity with public records law, the standards and ethics of journalism, as well as both the INDY and The Assembly’s work.
• Experience with photography is a plus, but not a requirement. We are a small newsroom, so being adaptable and willing to learn is key. 
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively. 
• Knowledge of and experience reporting in North Carolina, specifically Durham, is a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

The salary range is $58,000 to $62,000, with flexibility based on experience. We strive to be as transparent as possible in the interview process about what we can offer, and ask that you let us know your needs. We offer a competitive benefits package, including health care, parental leave, and life insurance. 

How to Apply:

To apply, we invite candidates to submit answers to the following questions: 

1. Talk about your interest and experience in local journalism and accountability reporting. Also, tell us what you think the INDY should be covering to establish a strong local presence in Durham?
2. Tell us about a favorite story or project you have worked on. What made it stand out for you?
3. What is your approach to understanding a community or beat? How would you go about building, maintaining, and leveraging source networks in Durham?
4. Describe a difficult reporting challenge you have faced, and how you overcame it.

Email answers in a pdf along with a resume, the names and contact information for three references, and links to three writing samples or clips to jobs@theassemblync.com. You do not need to send a cover letter.  We will begin reviewing applications on May 11.