San Jose City Hall Reporter

Date Posted	April 22, 2024
Industry	Nonprofit
Specialty	Not Specified
Job Status	Full-time

Description:

SUMMARY

The San Jose City Hall Reporter covers one of the most critical beats at San José Spotlight with a focus on enterprise, investigative and accountability reporting. This reporter will excel at breaking news, cultivating relationships with sources and pursuing exclusive enterprise stories that hold leaders accountable and help readers understand how complex government decisions impact their lives. The City Hall Reporter works under the supervision of the editor. The position is one of the most visible reporting positions and, therefore, we expect a high level of professionalism, courtesy and the ability to ask tough questions, hold powerful officials accountable and challenge political leaders in the search for truth.

This reporter will work closely with city agencies, the mayor and City Council offices. The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent communication, organizational and time-management skills and demonstrate the ability to develop and maintain sources both within and outside of City Hall.

OVERVIEW

San José Spotlight is an award-winning nonprofit news organization dedicated to independent political and business reporting. Our journalists cover politics, policy and government in the heart of Silicon Valley, an exciting market with no shortage of compelling stories that shape the national conversation. Our reporters are flexible, with exceptional digital skills, including social media, and the ability to write compelling copy -- quickly and accurately. 

Our mission is to change the face of local journalism by building a community-supported newsroom that ignites civic engagement, educates citizens and strengthens our democracy.

DUTIES

• Cover weekly San Jose City Council and other governmental meetings and utilize social media to build an audience, connect with readers during meetings and keep them informed on policy discussions, proposals and decisions.
• Regularly report from the field and interview people impacted by public policy decisions. Regularly take photos and videos, as needed, to accompany print stories or as stand-alone reporting.
• Must demonstrate a commitment to fairness and accuracy, in fact and in tone, and a strong grounding in journalism ethics.
• Generate, build and maintain relationships with sources.
• Work collaboratively with editors and other San José Spotlight journalists.
• Attend and actively participate in editorial and departmental meetings.

APPLY
Email your resume, references and 3-5 clips to ramona@sanjosespotlight.com.