Growth and Development Reporter
About The Position
The Banner is seeking an ambitious journalist to cover growth and development in Montgomery County, Maryland. This role will primarily focus on residential and commercial development, its intersection with local government and politics, and will also contribute to breaking news and other assignments as needed. The reporter will produce bold, accountability-focused journalism aimed at helping readers understand Montgomery County’s challenges and explore long-term solutions for the region’s affordability crisis. The ideal candidate will be adept at building community trust, moving beyond routine coverage to uncover compelling stories, and keeping community members informed and engaged. This position involves developing a strong source network within the development community, including builders, planners, housing experts, and lawmakers, and collaborating with The Banner’s business, data, and visuals teams. The role is ideal for someone energized by data-driven reporting and stories that create a meaningful impact.
Requirements
- Strong writing skills and the ability to present complex topics in a conversational manner
- Excellent news judgment and fact-checking skills
- Comfort with working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining accuracy
- Comfort with reading budgets and presentations
- Passion for news and journalism that resonates with readers, particularly Montgomery County residents
- Strong teamwork and collaboration skills
- Ability to communicate clearly and work well with others
- Willingness to work evenings and weekends as news demands
- Excellent planning, organizational and time management abilities
- Familiarity with audience metrics, social media and SEO to drive audience growth and digital subscriptions
- Familiarity with public records requests and project planning
- Commitment to upholding journalistic values and ethics
Nice To Haves
- Familiarity with Montgomery County or Maryland are a plus
Responsibilities
- Produce a steady stream of compelling enterprise stories that highlight residential and commercial development opportunities and challenges.
- Break news stories on the growth and development beat.
- Tell stories in creative and nontraditional formats, making use of visuals, social media and data.
- Collaborate with The Banner's audience and data teams to engage the audience and distribute your stories across all platforms.
- Work in coordination with other Banner editors, reporters and staff to cover growth, development, housing, politics and related topics.
Benefits
- Flexible Paid Time Off
- Retirement savings - 401K plan offered through Human Interest, with a company match
- Student Loan Debt Repayment Assistance for qualified employees
- Full health benefits - medical, dental, vision, prescription, FSA/HSA., and coverage for family/dependents
- Sick Leave eligible for rollover
- Commuter Benefits
- 11 Paid National Holidays
- Employee Assistance Program
- Generous Parental Leave
- Company paid access to a wellness platform to support mental, financial and physical wellbeing
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
