The Sacramento Bee is seeking an ambitious and tenacious City Hall reporter to cover local government and its impact on the community at a critical juncture for California's capital city. This is an outstanding opportunity for a journalist who thrives on accountability reporting and has a talent for connecting the dots between policy decisions and their real-world consequences for Sacramento residents.

As our City Hall reporter, you will:

• Cover a newly-elected mayor and city council grappling with a $77 million budget shortfall and pressing challenges such as homelessness
• Produce watchdog journalism that holds local officials accountable and explains complex issues to readers
• Develop a deep network of sources both inside and outside government
• Break news consistently on this competitive beat
• Deliver incisive coverage of Sacramento's homelessness crisis, including potential solutions and the efficacy of current policies
• Report on the challenges and opportunities city officials are navigating as continued growth reshapes California's fastest-growing major city
• Look beyond institutions to tell stories about diverse communities and how local government impacts people's daily lives

We're seeking a reporter with:

• Strong writing and reporting skills with excellent news judgment
• A minimum of three years of reporting experience
• A track record of developing sources and breaking exclusive stories
• Experience covering local government and politics
• The ability to analyze data, budgets, and public records
• A talent for explaining complex topics in clear, engaging ways
• Fluency in digital storytelling and social media
• A collaborative spirit and strong interpersonal skills
• An innovative approach to reaching and growing our audience

What you'll bring:

• Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling daily stories and longer-term projects
• Understanding of readership metrics and SEO best practices
• Enthusiasm for experimenting with new storytelling formats and engagement tools
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with editors and colleagues

This reporter will have the chance to do vital watchdog reporting in one of America's most dynamic state capitals. You’ll work in a collaborative newsroom committed to innovation and public service journalism, and you’ll write for a large and engaged audience passionate about local news.

At The Sacramento Bee, the reader comes first. We're looking for a reporter who can deliver indispensable coverage that serves our community and holds power to account. If you're passionate about local journalism and ready to make an impact in Sacramento, we want to hear from you.

The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $70,000 and $82,000. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and relevant education.

To apply: Please include a cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

What we’ll bring: 

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on well-being and daily life, our package options include health care coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. 

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.  

About McClatchy: 

Our impact is growing every day. We have 30 growing news markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 56 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger.

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of an exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth — a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $35.90 and $42.05 per hour. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education.’