| Date Posted | August 14, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Newspapers |
| Specialty | Local News |
| Telecommute? | Hybrid |
| Job Status | Full-time |
| Salary | $70,000 to $75,000 |
Description:
Job Title: News Reporter
Company: Noisy Creek (Portland Mercury)
Location: Portland
Salary: $70,000
The Portland Mercury is looking to add a full-time news reporter to our small, dynamic team—known locally for smart, deep, and accessible journalism and culture writing. This position will be primarily focused on short-form reporting and breaking news, but would also provide opportunities for longer, in-depth reporting as well as culture writing. Submit your application here.
The Mercury is seeking applicants who can keep up with the quick pace of digital reporting. We want to hire someone with a natural curiosity that drives their reporting on virtually any subject—including but not limited to housing and homelessness, protests, racial inequity, labor, and local angles on national news stories. Ideally, applicants will be well-acquainted with the city of Portland.
We also want someone who strives to cover how different issues affect all Portlanders, and who can bring their own lived experiences to their reporting.
Key responsibilities:
Reporting and writing news stories for online and print. Help produce weekly news roundups, and participate in the Mercury’s election editorial board—our endorsement board for local, state, and national elections—both as a voting member of the board, and as a writer in our endorsement packages.
Requirements
Ideally, we’d like applicants to possess the following:
• At least 3-5 years of experience working on a news team—this can include internships and college newspapers.
• A body of work published within the past three years.
• The ability to write clean, concise news copy on a deadline.
• Experience producing enterprise and investigative reporting.
• A tenacious, enthusiastic, can-do attitude and a comfort level with interviewing anyone, from a grocery store worker on strike to the mayor of Portland.
• Flexibility to move from one story to the next, and time management to juggle multiple stories at once.
• Familiarity with records requests and major social media platforms.
• The ability to pitch stories that are unique and relevant to our readers.
• Exceptional grammar and style skills, and the ability to proofread your colleagues' work.
• An interest in different forms of writing, from film and music reviews to sports and features—though experience in these genres isn’t necessary.
• Basic photography or video skills, social media management experience, and familiarity with data journalism are all bonuses, but not required.
Additional Information
This is a full-time, non-exempt, union position. The typical schedule is Monday-Friday (though you may be asked to work nights and weekends on occasion). Some telecommuting is allowed, as approved by your editor. Some familiarity with the Portland news ecosystem is appreciated. Starting salary is $70,000 per year, and just so you know, the Mercury is a very fun place to work, with nice people.
Health Insurance: Employer contributes toward medical, dental, and vision premiums
Retirement Plan: SIMPLE IRA with employer-matching contributions
Paid Time Off: Seven paid holidays, two any-day paid holidays, and vacation starting at two weeks in the first year, increasing up to 4 weeks after 5 years
Employee Assistance Program: Access to wellness and financial support services
Flexible Spending Account (FSA): Options to set aside pre-tax funds for medical and dependent care expenses
Why Noisy Creek?
Aside from being an equal opportunity employer, we’re also a vibrant, creative team that believes the more diverse voices that are at the table, the better the conversation—and the work! We realize that not everyone receives the same professional or educational opportunities, so if you don’t meet all the above qualifications but still think you’d be a good fit, please consider applying. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities. If you want to be part of a team where your skills and ideas are valued, we want to hear from you!
Attach resume, cover letter, three story links, and four story ideas (plus any additional information) at this link:
DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: 11:59 PM, SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2025
Thanks for your interest!
Apply
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