Reporter

Description:

REPORTER

BridgeDetroit, a community-first nonprofit newsroom, is seeking a thoughtful and experienced reporter to join our team.

We are looking for a journalist with an innovative and striking vision to elevate BridgeDetroit’s trusted reporting on civic systems in Detroit. The reporter will deliver authoritative, accountability-driven coverage of Detroit city government and public policy while staying deeply grounded in the information needs of Detroiters. This reporter will pursue rigorous reporting on how decisions are made, how those decisions affect Detroiters and their communities and where systems are falling short. The candidate should have a keen eye for original and undercovered stories that speak to the challenges and joys of life in Detroit, for Detroiters.

Just as critical, we are looking for a reporter who can produce journalism that drives meaningful public conversation, centers the voices of Detroit residents — especially vulnerable groups most impacted by policy decisions — and explains complex issues in clear, accessible terms. Our work is designed not just to inform, but to empower Detroiters to better understand their city and participate more fully in civic life.

The ideal candidate has strong knowledge of Detroit and has built — or is capable of quickly building — trust with residents, sources and stakeholders across the city. This work requires a versatile journalist who can move between daily reporting and deeper enterprise work, translating complex policy and system-level issues into journalism that is relevant, understandable and impactful.

This is a high-output, multi-platform role. BridgeDetroit reporters are expected to produce a consistent volume of journalism across formats — including daily and weekly newsletters, quick-turn stories, explainers, enterprise reporting and social video — and to engage directly with the community through events and outreach.

You’ll be joining a collaborative, award-winning team committed to journalistic excellence, community engagement and the long-term success of Detroit. We value reporters who are aggressive in their pursuit of the story, disciplined in their reporting and generous colleagues who contribute to a strong team culture.

The BridgeDetroit team is expected to dedicate themselves to improving our people-first culture, public outreach and journalistic excellence. We are proud of our Values and try to incorporate them in all we do. All Center for Michigan employees are expected to follow our Ethics and Conflict of Interest policy.

Position Requirements

• Minimum of three to five years’ experience reporting, preferably on Detroit and the issues that shape life in the city

• A portfolio of work demonstrating strong beat reporting, newsletter writing and the ability to explain complex policy topics in clear, accessible terms

• Proven ability to produce authoritative coverage that centers resident voices and drives public conversation

• Strong newsletter writing skills and comfort producing social video content, including reels

• An investigative mindset and familiarity with FOIA and other accountability reporting tools

• A commitment to fairness, accuracy and journalistic ethics

• A collaborative spirit and the discipline to manage a high volume of work across multiple formats and deadlines

How to Apply

If you’re interested in applying, please submit an application to jobs@bridgedetroit.com and write “BridgeDetroit Reporter” in the subject line. Include a resume, a detailed cover letter explaining how you would approach the position and your relevant Detroit coverage experience, and four to seven work samples. Candidates should submit their application by June 1, 2026.

About The Center for Michigan and This Position

BridgeDetroit is a publication of the Center for Michigan. All staff of BridgeDetroit are employees of the Center for Michigan. Founded in 2006, the Center for Michigan is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making Michigan better through high-quality, nonpartisan journalism and engagement.

The Center for Michigan offers competitive salaries and flexible work arrangements. The expected base salary range for this position is $60,000 - $80,000 annually. Our offices have a casual environment and we respect work-life balance. Benefits at the Center for Michigan include:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance (90% employer paid for employee and eligible dependents)

• 1% 401(k) match

• 10-12 weeks of paid parental leave

• Life insurance

• Minimum three weeks paid time off per year

• Eight paid holidays and two floating holidays

• Monthly phone stipend

• Annual professional development and subscription allowances

The Center for Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to diversity in its workforce, creating an inclusive environment and building an organization that better reflects its communities and encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including people of color, women, members of the LGBTQIA+ community and people with disabilities.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment. The Center for Michigan will not discriminate in its employment practices due to an applicant’s race, color, religion, national origin, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity and sexual orientation), age, disability/handicap, height, weight, marital status, familial status, veteran status, citizenship or any other classification protected by federal or state law or local ordinance.