Job summary
Job post source
This job is directly from Central Current, a nonprofit news organization affiliated with the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).
Job overview
The County News Reporter role at Central Current involves investigative journalism focused on Onondaga County government, aiming to inform the public and hold officials accountable during significant regional developments.
Responsibilities and impact
The reporter will cover county government, produce 5 to 10 stories monthly, investigate public spending and policies, collaborate with staff and freelancers, and translate complex issues into accessible stories.
Compensation and benefits
The salary ranges from $50,000 to $60,000 annually, with benefits including health insurance fully paid by the employer, paid vacation and holidays, paid family leave, professional development stipend, relocation reimbursement, life and disability insurance, phone stipend, and retirement contributions.
Experience and skills
Candidates should have a bachelor's degree, newsroom experience preferred, strong investigative and analytical skills, ability to write clearly, experience with public records requests, and familiarity with municipal or county government coverage is a plus.
Career development
The position offers a $1,000 annual professional development stipend and opportunities to work on impactful investigative stories that influence public policy, supporting career growth in journalism.
Work environment and culture
Central Current promotes diversity, inclusion, and collaboration in a hybrid work environment based in Syracuse, NY, with a mission to provide independent, fact-based news to Central New York.
Company information
Central Current is a nonprofit, independent news source launched in 2022, known for award-winning investigative journalism and collaboration with national publications, focusing on Central New York issues.
Team overview
The reporter will work closely with the managing editor and collaborate with other staff and freelance reporters in a highly collaborative team environment.
Job location and travel
The job is based in Syracuse, New York, with hybrid work options and relocation support available for the right candidate.
Application process
Applicants must submit a single PDF via email including a resume, cover letter, work samples, and a pitch on a micro-beat within Onondaga County government, addressed to jobs@centralcurrent.org with the subject 'County Reporter application'.
Unique job features
This role offers the chance to cover major regional developments including a billion-dollar public housing redevelopment and a $100 billion semiconductor investment, providing unique investigative opportunities in a nonprofit news setting.
Company overview
The National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ) is a prominent organization dedicated to advocating for Black journalists and media professionals. Founded in 1975, NABJ focuses on providing training, support, and networking opportunities to enhance the careers of its members. The organization generates revenue through membership fees, sponsorships, and events such as their annual convention, which is one of the largest gatherings of journalists in the country. NABJ is committed to increasing diversity in newsrooms and ensuring fair representation of Black communities in media coverage.
How to land this job
Position your resume to emphasize your investigative journalism skills, particularly your ability to translate complex government systems like budgeting and contracting into clear, engaging stories, as this is central to the County News Reporter role at NABJ.
Highlight your experience with public records requests, data analysis, and your capacity to cover municipal or county government beats, showcasing your ability to hold officials accountable and track policy impacts.
Apply not only through the National Association of Black Journalists' corporate website but also on platforms like LinkedIn and journalism-specific job boards to maximize your exposure.
Connect on LinkedIn with current reporters, editors, and staff at NABJ or Central Current who cover government or local news; initiate conversations by referencing recent impactful stories they’ve published or by asking insightful questions about the newsroom culture and reporting priorities.
Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords from the job description such as 'investigative journalism,' 'public records requests,' 'municipal government coverage,' 'data analysis,' and 'policy tracking' to ensure your resume passes initial automated screenings.
Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications, identify all relevant job posting sites, and find LinkedIn contacts to network with, allowing you to focus your energy on preparing strong interview responses and refining your portfolio.
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