Accountability Reporter, Stocktonia

Job Description

Accountability Reporter, Stocktonia

This role will require understanding of how local government and institutions work and the ability to develop original, in-depth watchdog reporting. The position is based in San Joaquin County, California – a short drive from Sacramento and the Bay Area. The ideal candidate will build sources, obtain public records and analyze data to reveal stories about influence, power and public concerns in Stockton and the county. 

The reporter will play a key role in Stocktonia's mission to hold the powerful accountable, uncover injustices, inform and empower residents and offer solutions to the community’s most-pressing problems. 

The reporter should have the ability to spot high-interest topics, utilize investigative reporting techniques, create traditional and non-traditional story forms and work in both independent and collaborative environments.

Stocktonia launched in 2021 in response to the critical lack of reporting on current events in Stockton and San Joaquin County. It joined NEWSWELL in 2024.

NEWSWELL helps newsrooms become nonprofit and for-community. It provides strategic guidance, innovative solutions and wrap-around operations so local journalists can focus on local news, and newsrooms can best serve their communities. NEWSWELL partners with Arizona State University, the nation’s most innovative nine years in a row, to offer game-changing ideas, tools and research. NEWSWELL transforms local news to help communities and democracy thrive.

What you'll do:

• Identify, develop, report and write quick-turn watchdog/accountability and enterprise stories, as well as longer investigative pieces, that will be of wide interest to the public.

• ​Seek to hold local institutions and public agencies and officials accountable while also highlighting possible solutions.

• Employ investigative reporting techniques, including developing deep sourcing, seeking public records, analyzing data and conducting in-depth interviews.

• Report using traditional written forms as well as using audio, video or other formats as news demands.

• Engage with community members throughout San Joaquin County to uncover untold stories and deepen the understanding of the issues affecting the area.

• Collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom and with NEWSWELL.

• Use audience metrics to help identify topics and stories that resonate with readers.

• Ensure all content is fact checked and meets ethical journalism standards.

• Create an inclusive work environment that values diversity, fosters belonging, empowers others and nourishes a culture that pushes for and celebrates wins.

• Foster a culture of innovation by harnessing fresh ideas and experimenting with new tools, technologies and techniques that enhance digital and social media storytelling.

• Drive audience engagement through social media, SEO and immersive reporting experiences.

Job Requirements

What you'll need:

• Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure, using time efficiently.
• ​A passion for local news and a commitment to serving the community.
• Track record of producing exclusive stories and utilizing investigative reporting techniques. 

Relevant qualifications:

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism or related field related or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• ​At least three years of reporting experience, preferably covering government in a digitally focused news organization.
• Strong analytical, data and writing skills, with a keen eye for detail and a commitment to accuracy.

Preferred Skills and Abilities:

• Spanish fluency

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