Description :The Charlotte Observer is looking for an accountability reporter who is passionate about digging out local stories across a range of topics that will resonate in Charlotte and across the region’s fast-growing communities.Our accountability reporter will tell readers, with authoritative insight, how action (or inaction) by elected leaders affects its people and businesses, and will write with context on the power brokers — and aspiring power brokers — across the Charlotte area.This is a beat for a reporter who takes pride in source building, has insatiable curiosity and is not afraid to take on complex and challenging assignments. The reporter can find stories communities are talking about, quickly diagnose whether an item on a meeting agenda — policy, projects or zoning requests — might be story worthy and step back to provide quick-turn accountability reporting for our “Reality Check” brand showcasing content that holds leaders, institutions and influencers to account.To do this, you’ll stay tuned to local governments and politics in Mecklenburg and nearby counties, develop connections with community members, business leaders and key officials and develop an understanding of how a decision in one community might translate to another nearby. You’ll embrace experimentation, trying new methods to deliver news to communities the Observer hasn’t prioritized and tell stories with regional context.Being a great collaborator and team player is key in this job. You’ll join a team of reporters in Charlotte, help out as needed during major news events and contribute to statewide politics coverage with our sister newsroom in Raleigh.We expect reporters to work to understand what’s important to readers in Charlotte and North Carolina, and to use that knowledge, as well as digital metrics and social media, to break and report exclusive journalism that’s a must-read.We want this reporter to:Break exclusive news that readers care about.Find compelling local stories that will resonate across the Charlotte region.Conceive and write in-depth accountability stories.Develop a broad range of sources.Be a master of social media – both as a news-gathering tool and as a way to get your journalism in front of readers.Understand audience metrics – which stories are resonating with readers? Working with your editor, regularly mine this data for takeaways about how we can build our audience.On tight deadlines, write stories that are fair, accurate and give readers important context.Work closely with our visual journalists to develop video and images for stories.Engage the public: Deliver news coverage and enterprise reporting in a way in which readers understand the need for action or involvement.What you'll bring:A competitive nature.Collaborative instincts and the ability to work well on a team.A deep understanding of how power, government and politics work.Communication skills to build strong source networks.The ability to report and write accurately and engagingly on tight deadlines.Creativity and independence in identifying stories that are exclusive to the Observer and relevant to readers.Ability to evaluate, analyze and interpret complex documents and records.Deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism.Command of grammar, spelling, Observer and AP style, as well as the ability to write clearly and organize a story.Strong story-telling ability and excellent news judgment.Expert-level writing skills in multiple formats – short form, long form, narrative, hard news and features.Fluency in both the art and science of readership and engagement.Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism.Proficiency in utilizing AI tools and technologies is highly desired.MINIMUM REQUIREMENTSCollege degree or equivalent required.Minimum of three years daily journalism experience preferred.Background in video, online media and using social media to find and disseminate news preferred.What we’ll bring: As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visitTo apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work when you apply.About McClatchy:Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 57 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.
