Investigative Reporter, Politics

Job Description

Strengthening and empowering all of the communities we serve. N.J. Advance Media is seeking an experienced investigative journalist to report on politics, extremism and culture war issues in New Jersey and beyond. The Garden State is notorious for political corruption, but also the launching pad for national figures such as Chris Christie and Cory Booker. We need someone who can break the latest scandal, but elevate it to grand theater through detailed reporting, sharp writing and engaging storytelling. We are seeking a candidate willing to zag while others zig. We require the rare journalist who can drill down on the smallest detail but write with sweep and scale, delivering compelling storytelling whether they're tackling shadowy politicians, document diving or chasing the crimes that erode the public's trust. We seek a dogged reporter who loves developing deep sourcing in and around all levels of government, breaking news and exposing wrongdoing that others cannot crack. We also want an independent reporter who can work collaboratively with a team when necessary. And we require someone willing to investigate a wide breadth of topics and juggle multiple high-level projects, with a concentrated effort on kitchen table and culture war issues that continue to fracture and divide. Coverage will include longform investigations, breaking news, profiles, analysis and short-term enterprise. We’re committed to building a newsroom that reflects the diversity of the community we serve. In this position, you will be part of a dynamic and inclusive team focused on local journalism for one of the country’s largest privately owned media companies. The base salary range is $75,000 - $90,000 per year. Our ideal candidate will have the following:

• A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of five years in journalism with a proven ability in reporting and writing required, preferably including experience in investigations.
• An ability to cultivate sources in government, advocacy groups, educational circles and other demographics offering unique and visionary coverage.
• Possession of a clear and engaging writing style.
• An ability to work independently under deadline pressure and prioritize assignments.
• A sound understanding of newswriting, journalistic ethics and story structure.
• Experience using social media to find stories and promote content.
• A demonstrated capability in capitalizing on high-value topics by engaging audiences in frequency and urgency.
• A proven experience building, maintaining and engaging an active audience.
• An understanding of the methods and tools used to deliver content across a variety of platforms.
• An ability to work collaboratively with editors and fellow reporters.
• A willingness to keep abreast of industry advances and proactively consider new methods of reaching audiences.

This job requires reliable transportation to meet with sources or cover events. Additional Information Advance Local Media offers competitive pay and a comprehensive benefits package with affordable options for your healthcare including medical, dental and vision plans, mental health support options, flexible spending accounts, fertility assistance, a competitive 401(k) plan to help plan for your future, generous paid time off, paid parental and caregiver leave and an employee assistance program to support your work/life balance, optional legal assistance, life insurance options, as well as flexible holidays to honor cultural diversity. NJ Advance Media is a part of Advance Local Media, one of the largest media groups in the United States, which operates the leading news and information companies in more than 20 cities, reaching 52+ million people monthly with our quality, real-time journalism and community engagement. Our company is built upon the values of Integrity, Customer-first, Inclusiveness, Collaboration and Forward-looking. For more information about Advance Local, please visit www.advancelocal.com. NJ Advance Media is a company positioned for the future. We embrace the rapidly evolving digital landscape and are committed to developing new solutions across current and emerging media to help advertisers grow their businesses. In addition to flexible advertising opportunities with powerful media vehicles that we represent, we offer custom digital solutions from web and mobile site development, to a sophisticated array of search and social media optimization and targeted display solutions to reach audiences on all platforms. Our focus is on developing a real-time approach to reporting news, sports and entertainment content for consumption across all platforms and devices throughout New Jersey and Easton, PA. On nj.com and lehighvalleylive.com, we ensure the communities we serve have 24/7 access to the news and information that's most relevant locally, regionally and beyond. Our quality journalism and in-depth coverage is provided locally in The Star-Ledger, The Times of Trenton, South Jersey Times and The Express-Times. Advance Local Media is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, genetic information, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, or any other category protected under federal, state or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation because of a disability for any part of the employment process, please contact Human Resources and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Advance Local Media does not provide sponsorship for work visas or employment authorization in the United States. Only candidates who are legally authorized to work in the U.S. will be considered for this position.