Local Government and Growth Reporter-Omaha, NE

Lee Enterprises•Omaha, NE

About The Position

The Omaha World-Herald, a Lee Enterprises publication, seeks a self-starting reporter to cover local government, growth and development in the Omaha area. The role focuses on accountability, infrastructure and issues that affect residents’ finances and daily lives—not simply reporting on meetings. The reporter will investigate how local officials spend taxpayer money, examine planning and zoning decisions and major infrastructure projects, and trace the reasons behind decisions and their community impacts. The reporter will produce enterprise and watchdog journalism using public records, campaign finance filings, contracts and municipal budgets to identify waste, policy changes and systemic issues. Coverage will also include commercial and residential development, data center energy demands, water resources, transit and public works. The position involves translating public policy for residents, neighborhoods and businesses, and may use short-form video to reach audiences. Lee Enterprises describes its work environment as dynamic and interesting and offers career growth opportunities. The company provides competitive wages and a benefits program that can be personalized to employees’ needs.

Requirements

Be a self-starter.
Have an interest in local government, growth and development.

Nice To Haves

Understand the value of short-form video in reaching audiences.

Responsibilities

Produce enterprise and watchdog stories.
Use public records, campaign finance filings, contracts and municipal budgets to investigate waste, policy shifts and systemic issues.
Cover growth and infrastructure investments, including commercial development, residential expansion, data center energy demands, water resources, transit and public works.
Explain public policy and its effects on residents, neighborhoods and businesses.
Use short-form video to reach audiences.