Reporter

MediaNews Group•Santa Rosa, CA

1d•Remote

About The Position

The Press Democrat is seeking a reporter to cover city government in Santa Rosa. This role focuses on reporting on the agencies and institutions that shape the North Bay’s largest city, including Santa Rosa city government and the seven-member City Council, as well as the broader Santa Rosa community. The work involves a mix of quick-turn daily assignments, features, long-form narrative stories, and watchdog investigations.

Requirements

Deep familiarity with the complicated world of California policy, politics, and funding, with a proven ability to translate complex topics into easily digestible stories for everyday readers.
Strong understanding of public budgets and the comfort level required to pose hard questions to elected officials and bureaucrats.
The capacity to manage a steady volume of daily and enterprise stories, while staying motivated to leverage that regular coverage into long-form storytelling and watchdog investigations.
Precise and exacting journalism standards, combined with ease using social media, capturing video, and handling occasional photo assignments alongside our accomplished team of photojournalists.
Fluency in a second language - especially Spanish - which is highly valued and of great use on this beat.
At least 2 - 3 years of daily newspaper work experience, with a strong preference for previous government coverage.
A Bachelor’s degree, though a university or post-graduate degree in journalism is welcomed.
Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks.
Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation.
Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours.

Responsibilities

Lead comprehensive coverage of the agencies and institutions that shape the North Bay’s largest city, including Santa Rosa city government, the seven-member City Council, and the broader Santa Rosa community.
Deliver a strong mix of daily stories, enterprise assignments, and longer-term projects that showcase our best work.
Cover daytime and evening events and meetings to drive coverage, while consistently looking beyond official board agendas to develop original, proactive stories.
Balance core municipal mainstays, including reporting on policies, housing, development, the health of the downtown commercial district, and efforts to revitalize the urban core.
Report on the fiscal health of the city and its programs, tracking public spending to help readers understand ballot tax proposals and the sharp tensions underlying budget discussions.
Center coverage on human impact, examining how government decisions directly affect residents, property owners, business owners, social service organizations, and community groups.
Carve out space for solutions journalism, roaming far and wide to report stories that raise thoughtful questions and engage readers in new ways.
Serve as the chief envoy in forging the vital relationships with leaders and public officials needed to secure the access our journalists depend on.