California Reporter, San Francisco, Sacramento & Northern California Outdoors 

Gannett | USA TODAY NETWORK • CA

121d • $50,500 - $78,906

About The Position

This San Francisco and Sacramento-based reporter for USA TODAY is devoted to serving the vibrant, diverse readership of Northern California, with a focus on the pulse and personality of the Bay Area, the Capital Region, and the outdoor playgrounds of NorCal. This reporter will explore and chronicle the news that captivates local audiences along with the unique outdoor adventures and recreational opportunities that beckon beyond San Francisco—celebrating the everyday people who define Northern California’s spirit as well as the visionaries, iconic brands, celebrated events, world-renowned landmarks and natural wonders. This role demands versatility and collaboration, working with producers, videographers, reporters, editors and audience specialists to deliver multimedia storytelling and news from the heart and soul of San Francisco, Sacramento, and adventure-rich NorCal destinations.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least two years of newsroom reporting, with experience in multimedia and collaborative environments.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving readers and building community relationships.
• Outstanding communication, news judgment, and headline-writing skills, with fluency in AP style.
• Proficiency on major social media platforms (Instagram, Reddit, and TikTok).
• Agility and initiative to identify stories that resonate with Northern California audiences.
• Ability to thrive under deadline pressure, multitask, and contribute effectively within a team.
• Command of media law, principles of ethical journalism, and commitment to accuracy and transparency.
• Spanish fluency is highly valued.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and state-required minimum liability insurance.

Responsibilities

• Serve the needs of California’s readers by producing rigorous, accessible, and engaging journalism spotlighting the top stories of the day from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Northern California.
• Collaborate with USA TODAY Network local newsrooms and national teams to amplify stories of the Northern Californians who shape their neighborhoods and natural spaces.
• Deliver thoughtful analysis and dynamic reporting on signature events, traditions, festivals, milestones, and the range of adventure and recreation opportunities found throughout NorCal.
• Highlight the diversity of places and spaces, from the hills and parks of San Francisco to towering redwoods in Muir Woods.
• Create stories across multiple platforms, celebrating everyday people and what makes San Francisco, Sacramento, and greater Northern California special.
• Contribute to public good by amplifying voices, exposing injustices, and sparking meaningful change through watchdog and solutions-oriented journalism.
• Serve audiences first and continuously assess coverage to ensure stories capture the essence, vibrancy, and adventurous spirit of the region.
• Promote the personal brand, the work of colleagues, and the institutional brand through engagement, events, and outreach.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, guiding readers to answers and actionable solutions relevant to living, working, playing, and thriving in the area.

Benefits

• 401k
• health_insurance
• dental_insurance
• vision_insurance
• paid_holidays
• paid_volunteer_time
• flexible_scheduling
• professional_development

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees