Public Safety Reporter

HearstSan Francisco, CA
Onsite

About The Position

The San Francisco Chronicle has an opening for an ambitious and versatile journalist to cover public safety in the Bay Area, taking a lead role in reporting on crime, policing, civil rights and the courts in San Francisco and Alameda County. This is a wide-ranging beat that will include responding to crime scenes, analyzing statistics, covering jury trials, obtaining public records, writing about broader themes such as police technology and public corruption, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people accused of or affected by crimes. We’re looking for a journalist who can develop sources within law enforcement agencies, the defense bar, and the communities they serve. The ideal candidate has a track record of cultivating relationships and information sources that yield exclusive news and accountability-driven reporting. Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news, scoops, enterprise stories and utility-focused pieces that explain and demystify complicated topics. We’re seeking a self-starter who works quickly, has strong writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, is committed to inclusive journalism and wants to own the stories that matter most.

Requirements

  • At least two years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
  • Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
  • An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
  • An understanding of and curiosity about crime, courts and criminal justice issues.
  • An ability to develop sources within public-safety agencies.
  • Regular in-office attendance is required.

Nice To Haves

  • Ambitious and versatile journalist
  • Track record of cultivating relationships and information sources that yield exclusive news and accountability-driven reporting.
  • Self-starter who works quickly
  • Comfortable providing and taking feedback
  • Committed to inclusive journalism
  • Wants to own the stories that matter most.

Responsibilities

  • Act as the primary reporter covering law enforcement agencies and day-to-day public safety news in San Francisco and the inner East Bay.
  • Deliver a steady stream of scoops and exclusives on your beat.
  • Collaborate with reporters who cover geographical beats and topics such as transportation and politics, and with newsroom teams such as photo, video and data.
  • Follow important cases through the court system.
  • Compete to provide readers the timeliest and most authoritative information.

Benefits

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage
  • Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
  • Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
  • Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
  • Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
  • Mental wellness benefits.
  • Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs.
  • Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support
  • Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits
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