Community Reporter - Temporary

Advance Media • Portland, OR

2d • $28 - $32

About The Position

The Oregonian/OregonLive seeks a full-time, temporary Community Reporter to expand newsroom coverage outside the city of Portland. The reporter listens closely to community conversations rather than relying solely on officials or institutions, and turns that curiosity into useful, trusted journalism.

The role monitors community calendars, public information feeds, meeting agendas and community conversations, both in person and on social media, to follow daily news and identify readers’ questions. The reporter moves quickly from listening to reporting by making calls and going into the community to produce several timely posts daily. The position covers stories people are already discussing as well as stories that may surprise and bring joy to readers. The reporter is also expected to use AI responsibly to work more efficiently, surface story ideas, build context and investigate important topics more deeply.

This is a full-time temporary position for up to six months, paying $28.00–$32.00 per hour. Reliable transportation is required to meet sources or cover events. The role can be performed independently and remotely, as well as in The Oregonian/OregonLive office.

Requirements

• A degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least one year of professional journalism experience.
• Demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting.
• Ability to identify, verify and develop stories that resonate with everyday residents.
• Comfort appearing on camera and producing short, engaging social videos.
• Comfort working at a high tempo while balancing fast, accurate daily updates.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, as well as in The Oregonian/OregonLive office.
• Reliable transportation to meet with sources or cover events.

Responsibilities

• Monitor community calendars, public information feeds, meeting agendas and community conversations in person and on social media.
• Identify questions readers want answered and develop stories from reader questions, social media conversations, search trends and public records.
• Make calls and report in the community to produce several timely posts daily.
• Cover stories that community members are already discussing, along with stories that surprise and bring joy to readers.
• Use AI responsibly to work more efficiently, surface story ideas, build context and go deeper on important topics.
• Appear on camera and produce short, engaging social videos that bring reporting to wider audiences.
• Balance fast, accurate daily updates that readers cannot find elsewhere.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level