City Hall Reporter

Hearst • San Francisco, CA

6d • $80,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

The San Francisco Chronicle is seeking an aggressive and enterprising reporter to cover City Hall, with a specific focus on homelessness, affordable and supportive housing, and the drug epidemic. The role involves analyzing San Francisco's and California's efforts to address these crises, including the appropriate use of funds. The reporter will explain the reasons behind the lack of significant progress in one of the wealthiest regions and states, while also exploring innovative solutions. This position offers the opportunity to break news, hold powerful figures accountable, amplify diverse voices, and explain complex issues to a global audience. The reporter will be part of the City Hall team, concentrating on the responses of city departments and elected officials to these crises. Building sources within the homeless community and spending time on the streets are expected, as is telling the stories of unhoused residents and sharing perspectives from housed residents and business owners. Reporters at the Chronicle aim to deliver exceptional coverage through scoops, investigations, narrative journalism, and explanatory pieces that simplify government systems. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong writing skills, comfortable with feedback, collaborative, committed to inclusive journalism, and eager to own significant stories.

Requirements

• At least two years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
• Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
• Willingness to dive deeply into policy details while clearly explaining them.
• Ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
• Commitment to visual storytelling and openness to alternative story forms.
• This position is full-time and will likely include some weekend work.
• The candidate must be based in the Bay Area.

Responsibilities

• Compete to break news for SFChronicle.com and the Chronicle's print edition.
• Examine how systems and leaders deliver on promises.
• Develop enterprise stories, profiles and analysis pieces.
• Produce digital projects by collaborating with other newsroom teams.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed