County Government Reporter

Job Description

Onondaga County is poised for once-in-a-generation growth that will reshape the region for decades. We need a dogged journalist to cover the government overseeing that growth and how decisions impact hundreds of thousands of people in the area.

Syracuse.com and The Post-Standard are looking for a county issues reporter to join our watchdog/public affairs team. 

This position pays between $60,000 to $70,000 annually.

It’s a fast-moving beat during a fast-moving time. Billions of dollars in private investment from tech companies will reshape the county and its government. Political power in the region is shifting. And the county is responsible for delivering some of our most critical services: clean water, social safety nets, child welfare and our jails and sheriffs. 

The ideal candidate should love the intrigue of politics, the details of policy and the discovery that comes with introducing readers to new people and ideas. They should have a keen eye for wrongdoing and the toughness it takes to write truthfully about powerful interests.

We don’t just document meetings. We look to have impact. We value reporters wired to build sources, dig into data, solve problems, find fault, and advocate for people who need help.

You’ll find support in this newsroom that is expanding its audience and reach, learning new approaches and driving the discussion here. Our skilled newsroom has won national awards and dominated the state AP awards for years.

This isn’t an entry-level job. To be considered, you’ll have to demonstrate that you’ve delivered difficult work somewhere.

Job Requirements

Qualified candidates should have:

A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field, and more than 3 years of relevant work experience;

• The ability to work quickly, but with accuracy and good news judgment;
• Watchdog journalism experience;
• Ability to develop and cultivate sources;
• Digital storytelling skills and an open mind to trying new approaches;
• Relentless curiosity and a good sense of humor.

This job requires reliable transportation.

This is a Syracuse-based, in-office position.

Please include links to published photos/videos and samples of any other relevant work, along with a cover letter.

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