Accountability Reporter

MediaNews Group•San Jose, CA

5d•Onsite

About The Position

The Mercury News is hiring an accountability reporter for a collaborative regional enterprise team covering important stories for a diverse readership. The reporter will focus on transparency and holding powerful figures and organizations accountable in politics, government, civil society, and public institutions. The role combines quick-turn reporting with longer enterprise work and aims to produce weekly centerpiece stories for the publications’ websites and front pages. The position reports to the San Jose office and includes field assignments throughout the Bay Area.

Requirements

At least five years of professional journalism experience.
Strong news judgment and a competitive drive.
A track record of producing reporting that goes beyond surface-level coverage.
Experience working with sources, records, and data to uncover original stories.
Comfort reporting and publishing across digital platforms and social media.
Strong storytelling skills, an investigative bent, and the ability to use data analysis and public records to strengthen reporting.
Must be willing to submit to and pass required pre-employment checks, including a background check and MVR.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Must be available for shift work and may be required to work various hours outside normal business hours.

Nice To Haves

Experience in breaking news and government, housing, business, or accountability coverage is ideal.
Additional language skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

Build deep sourcing across government, business, advocacy groups, and community organizations.
Pursue accountability reporting using documents, data, and public records.
Collaborate across the newsroom on high-impact coverage.
Report and publish across platforms in real time.
Write clear, engaging stories with clarity and authority.
Manage multiple stories under deadline pressure.
Complete field assignments anywhere in the Bay Area and travel between work sites as needed.