Public Trust Reporter

USA TODAY Co.

1d•$21 - $32

About The Position

The Daily Record in Wooster, Ohio, is seeking a public trust reporter to cover the long‑term forces shaping Holmes and Wayne counties, producing accountability journalism where policy, culture, economy and environment intersect. The beat focuses on how today’s local decisions — about land use, infrastructure, workforce development, health access and growth — will define the region’s future. Coverage examines tensions such as aging populations versus labor demand, farmland preservation versus housing needs, climate and infrastructure pressures, broadband access and competing visions for rural and small‑city communities. Across both counties, reporting connects planning documents and budget decisions to residents’ lived experiences. Video reporting and community engagement are central to how this work reaches and serves the communities. This position is based in or near Wooster, Ohio, the civic, educational and economic center of Wayne County. It is home to a university, a diverse manufacturing base and an active downtown, located about 35 miles southwest of Akron. This role is well‑suited to a reporter who wants to build a deep beat and hold institutions accountable over time.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent experience
Minimum three years of professional newsroom or reporting experience
Strong command of grammar, style and copy editing
Experience in a digital‑first newsroom, including use of analytics to guide coverage
Ability to report quickly, clearly and accurately in a deadline‑driven environment
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and sustain a reporting beat
Proficiency using social platforms such as X, Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat
Solid understanding of journalism ethics and sourcing
Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI
Strong collaboration skills
Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and minimum state‑required liability insurance

Responsibilities

Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through analytics research.
Collaborates with editors and frontline journalists locally and across the USA Today Network.
Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in areas of expertise.
Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
Reports quickly, clearly and accurately and delivers news via articles, video, social media or any other methods available to reach our audiences.
Use analytics to inform story choices and shape beat strategies.
Cultivates a beat. Has a genuine interest in people and ability to build trust.
Writes and/or produces multimedia content that appeals to key audience targets and maximizes user experience on digital and social platforms to reach readers where they spend their time and attention.
Experiment with new ways of informing and engaging audiences on social platforms and be proficient in using alternate story forms.
Experience using AI and automation to support journalism, and a willingness to experiment with new formats and platforms, is expected.