Job Description

The Press Democrat is looking for a reporter to helm one of our most important beats: city government in Santa Rosa. This job focuses primarily on covering the agencies and institutions that shape the North Bay’s largest city, including Santa Rosa city government and the seven-member City Council, as well as the broader Santa Rosa community. The work involves a mix of quick-turn daily assignments, features, long-form narrative stories and watchdog investigations.

What you will do:

• Lead comprehensive coverage of the agencies and institutions that shape the North Bay’s largest city, including Santa Rosa city government, the seven-member City Council, and the broader Santa Rosa community

• Deliver a strong mix of daily stories, enterprise assignments, and longer-term projects that showcase our best work

• Cover daytime and evening events and meetings to drive coverage, while consistently looking beyond official board agendas to develop original, proactive stories

• Balance core municipal mainstays, including reporting on policies, housing, development, the health of the downtown commercial district, and efforts to revitalize the urban core

• Report on the fiscal health of the city and its programs, tracking public spending to help readers understand ballot tax proposals and the sharp tensions underlying budget discussions

• Center coverage on human impact, examining how government decisions directly affect residents, property owners, business owners, social service organizations, and community groups

• Carve out space for solutions journalism, roaming far and wide to report stories that raise thoughtful questions and engage readers in new ways

• Serve as the chief envoy in forging the vital relationships with leaders and public officials needed to secure the access our journalists depend on

What you will bring:

• Deep familiarity with the complicated world of California policy, politics, and funding, with a proven ability to translate complex topics into easily digestible stories for everyday readers

• Strong understanding of public budgets and the comfort level required to pose hard questions to elected officials and bureaucrats

• The capacity to manage a steady volume of daily and enterprise stories, while staying motivated to leverage that regular coverage into long-form storytelling and watchdog investigations

• Precise and exacting journalism standards, combined with ease using social media, capturing video, and handling occasional photo assignments alongside our accomplished team of photojournalists

• Fluency in a second language - especially Spanish - which is highly valued and of great use on this beat

• At least 2 - 3 years of daily newspaper work experience, with a strong preference for previous government coverage

• A Bachelor’s degree, though a university or post-graduate degree in journalism is welcomed

Benefits and Compensation:

The hourly range is $28.33 - $35.22+ cell phone stipend 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.mymedianewsgroup.com

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 regard 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 In addition to your resume, please include 2 - 3 samples that showcase 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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