Job Description

Public Safety Reporter

The San Francisco Chronicle has an opening for an ambitious and versatile journalist to cover public safety in the Bay Area, taking a lead role in reporting on crime, policing, civil rights and the courts in San Francisco and Alameda County.

This is a wide-ranging beat that will include responding to crime scenes, analyzing statistics, covering jury trials, obtaining public records, writing about broader themes such as police technology and public corruption, and interviewing victims, witnesses and people accused of or affected by crimes.

We’re looking for a journalist who can develop sources within law enforcement agencies, the defense bar, and the communities they serve. The ideal candidate has a track record of cultivating relationships and information sources that yield exclusive news and accountability-driven reporting.

Reporters at The Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through spot news, scoops, enterprise stories and utility-focused pieces that explain and demystify complicated topics. We’re seeking a self-starter who works quickly, has strong writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, is committed to inclusive journalism and wants to own the stories that matter most.

What you will do:

• Act as the primary reporter covering law enforcement agencies and day-to-day public safety news in San Francisco and the inner East Bay.
• Deliver a steady stream of scoops and exclusives on your beat.
• Collaborate with reporters who cover geographical beats and topics such as transportation and politics, and with newsroom teams such as photo, video and data.
• Follow important cases through the court system.
• Compete to provide readers the timeliest and most authoritative information.

What it will take to be successful:

• At least two years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
• Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
• An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
• An understanding of and curiosity about crime, courts and criminal justice issues.
• An ability to develop sources within public-safety agencies.

Requirements:

• This position is full time and may include a weekend shift.
• Regular in-office attendance is required.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate is $80,000 - $90,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in the San Francisco Bay Area. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience, training, certifications, and education.

About The San Francisco Chronicle & SFChronicle.com

The San Francisco Chronicle is one of the largest news organizations in the West. SFChronicle.com is home to the Bay Area’s best journalism and has been recognized as the best large newspaper website in California. Our award-winning journalists provide insight into the people and events shaping the Bay Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of breaking news in Northern California. Join our team!

Our Benefits: At Hearst Newspapers we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual’s physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.

HNP Overview:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers (HNP) represents a network of 28 daily and 50 weekly publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany). Our portfolio also includes several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites such as Chron., CT Insider, MySA and SFGATE, along with marketing services businesses like Medium Giant and entertainment brands such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we’re investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories — growing newsrooms, diversifying tools and evolving platforms — to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be part of something bigger — Your Headline Awaits

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