Public Safety Reporter

Summary:

The Pulitzer Prize-winning Press Democrat seeks a motivated journalist to join our Public Safety reporting team. The Press Democrat is the flagship of the Press Democrat News Group. This position is based in Santa Rosa, California, an hour north of San Francisco, where vineyards give way to redwood forests and the scenic Pacific Coast Highway.

The reporter in this role will cover local police and fire agencies, on the lookout for breaking news and emerging trends in public safety. The ideal candidate can write compelling headlines, is well-versed in SEO and can use available tools to engage readers. They must meet tight deadlines for breaking news and have a working knowledge of social media and digital reporting. A collaborative spirit and focus and a positive attitude are also a must for this role.

What you will do:

• Monitor local public safety agencies for breaking, spot news and long-form stories

• Write stories daily; have multiple stories in progress at once, prioritizing for timeliness and relevance

• Assign photos to visual journalists when necessary

• Produce high-quality breaking news, explanatory, investigative and feature stories for our website and newspaper, which prints four days per week

• Efficiently track newsworthy crimes, court cases and emergencies such as significant car crashes and fires

• Work directly and collaboratively with editors and reporters on story ideas

• File stories on tight deadlines while maintaining accuracy and quality

• Cultivate sources at all levels, from police and fire officials to advocacy groups, victims and people in the justice system

• Localize state and national public safety trends

• Use creative storytelling to present stories in unique ways that attract readers

What you will bring:

• Two years of experience in daily journalism preferred; internships acceptable

• A college degree in journalism or an applicable field

• Working knowledge of social media

• Residency within the Greater North Bay, preferably Sonoma County

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly wage range is $28.33 - $35.22 + cell stipend and mileage reimbursement. Pay is based on several factors including but not limited to geographic location, education, work experience, time in role, certifications, etc. In addition to your salary, the Company offers eligible employees a variety of benefits including medical, dental, life and disability insurance, 401k, as well as paid time off and select paid holidays (all benefits are based on eligibility). Please click the following link for more detailed information: www.mybensite.com/mng

Who we are:

The Press Democrat, a subsidiary of MediaNews Group, is the leading source of news and information for Sonoma and Napa counties. We are dedicated to providing in-depth local journalism that informs, engages, and holds power accountable. As part of the Northern California Community Newspapers group, The Press Democrat joins forces with sister publications across the region to provide comprehensive local and regional coverage. We are a dynamic, community-focused news organization committed to serving our readers with integrity and innovation across print and digital platforms. Join a team passionate about making a difference in the communities we cover.

"4x Built In Best Places to Work Winner- 2023-2026"

EEO Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status.

How To Apply:

• Please submit an online application along with your resume for this position here. Along with your resume, please include 3-4 clips showcasing your best work.

Closing Date:

• Continuous recruitment until the position is filled

Conditions of Employment:

• A full pre-employment background check and MVR will be conducted as part of the selection process. Must be willing to submit and pass the necessary required checks

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and have reliable transportation

• Travel- This position entails occasional driving for work assignments, in-person training sessions and/or meetings. The employee will be responsible for transporting themselves between different sites as needed

• Must be available for shift work. May be required to work various hours for coverage outside of normal business hours

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