Watchdog/Investigative Reporter

Date Posted	January 19, 2026
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Not Specified
Job Status	Not Specified
Salary	Not Specified

Description:

About Us

Suncoast Searchlight is a nonprofit newsroom delivering accountability journalism across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. From development battles and environmental crises to high-stakes political clashes, the Suncoast offers no shortage of stories that directly shape people’s lives.

We’re seeking a watchdog/ investigative reporter who does accountability work in real time. This is not a siloed investigations role. You’ll be part of the newsroom’s regular reporting flow, producing enterprise stories that grow out of daily developments and sustained digging.

About You

You’re an experienced accountability, watchdog or investigative reporter who knows how to turn curiosity into published work. You’ve uncovered meaningful stories by staying close to the news, following leads aggressively and reporting your way into deeper findings — whether in a formal investigations role or by relentlessly working a beat.

You’re comfortable rolling up your sleeves. You understand that strong investigative journalism is built through steady reporting and regular publication, not long stretches off the grid. You care about narrative and clarity, and you know how to bring documents, data and lived experience together in ways that resonate with readers.

You balance urgency with depth. You’re expected to produce at least two stories a month — although sometimes you produce more — while continuing to advance longer-term investigations. That means juggling active reporting, writing regularly and collaborating closely with editors and colleagues. This is not a role for someone who wants to disappear for months and emerge with a single piece; it’s for someone who thrives in a small newsroom where accountability work is part of the daily rhythm.

What You’ll Do:

• Find, develop, report and write quick-turn watchdog and enterprise stories, as well as longer investigative pieces, all in service of the public interest
• Stay engaged in the community by attending public meetings, showing up in person and spending time on the ground to surface story ideas and emerging issues
• Identify and work evolving “mini-beats” — digging deeply into a topic, agency or issue over time, publishing along the way and mining it for accountability stories 
• Collaborate closely with colleagues within Suncoast Searchlight and with partner newsrooms to produce and support in-depth accountability journalism
• Lead and participate in ongoing journalism training sessions
• Use public records, data and on-the-ground reporting to uncover complex issues and explain them clearly and compellingly for the public

Preferred Qualifications:

• At least five years of reporting experience, including at least two years producing watchdog/accountability and/or investigative stories that have made a tangible impact.
• A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment
• Excellent storytelling skills, with the ability to connect with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels
• Strong news judgment and the ability to work at a fast, consistent pace
• Excellent reporting and writing skills, especially on complex topics
• Commitment to inclusive sourcing and community-centered reporting
• Comfort using digital tools, public records and social media to report and share stories

Nice, But Not Necessary:

• Data reporting skills and familiarity with tools like Excel, Google Sheets and some coding
• Experience taking and editing photos and video
• Familiarity using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau
• Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
• Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish

Don’t Meet Our Requirements?

But think you’re still right for the job? Submit an application and tell us why.

Why Join Us? This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $75,000 to $100,000 (depending on your experience and skill set), with a health plan and 401K.

Hybrid Job: You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for candidates living just outside these counties. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at – and work frequently from – our Sarasota-based newsroom.

How to Apply: Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.

Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.