City Watchdog and Development Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Phoenix, AZ

2d

About The Position

The Arizona Republic/azcentral is looking for a reporter to cover local news, issues and development in metro Phoenix. We’re looking for a journalist who brings the skills, persistence and empathy to make a difference in our sprawling, diverse communities. This reporter has the news judgment and vision to shift old narratives and find new ways to engage with our audiences.
It is a job where the reporter will identify trends and hot topics, pivot between different topics and consistently produce content that resonates with current readers and helps grow our audience, especially within underserved communities. This is not a job where the reporter recounts what happened “at council” today.
The reporter must be attuned to political trends, alliances and influence in polarizing times and deliver coverage that holds public officials accountable and helps readers make informed decisions about their community.
The reporter must excel at developing professional sources and show an eye for development issues and important details found in public records. The reporter must consistently – and persistently – dig below the surface and write with clarity.
The reporter’s work must spark conversations and action on important issues. The reporter must work collaboratively and effectively in a team and demonstrate an awareness of and adherence to the highest journalistic ethical standards.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two years of reporting experience.
• Energetic self-starter and quick thinker who can identify stories that matter.
• Ability to multitask and perform well in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
• Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline-writing ability.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
• Proficiency in social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, Twitter, Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, with experience engaging readers in this public space.
• Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
• Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills with knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Nice To Haves

• Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Identifies key issues through source development, data analysis and document reporting.
• Shapes coverage with independent judgment and strategic insight.
• Collaborates closely with editors to set priorities and deadlines.
• Produces high‑impact, multi‑platform work with a disciplined approach.
• Uses audience metrics to inform coverage plans and meet reader needs.
• Writes clearly and concisely, with strong nut graphs and clear relevance.
• Develops and executes distribution and optimization strategies.
• Delivers strong reader service, helping audiences find answers and solutions.
• Builds trust and credibility within the coverage area.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level