The Sacramento Bee is looking for an aggressive reporter who wants to hold elected officials and other powerful figures and entities accountable for their public policy decisions, while also digging deep into issues of consequence in the community. This beat offers the opportunity to develop exclusive reporting on the biggest issues in Sacramento County and the surrounding region, and we’re seeking a versatile reporter who can deliver both quick-turn accountability stories and more investigative watchdog journalism.

Our accountability reporter will help readers understand how local government affects their lives, focusing on the nexus of public policy, how elected officials spend taxpayer money and the diverse communities affected by these decisions. Strong source-building skills are essential for this senior reporting position, as is the ability to move beyond surface-level coverage and see the big-picture story that resonates with our audience. Your priority will be accountability journalism that matters to our local readers.

Our journalism focuses on Sacramento-area communities, and in that role we have the ability to spotlight problems, highlight solutions and truly make a difference — all the reasons you became a journalist. We want to expose issues that affect the quality of life in the community — and we want to get to the bottom of who is responsible and what could or should be done about it. We aim to do all of this with clarity, fairness and impact. It’s not enough to reveal a problem; we want to show in real terms how that problem affects others, often through narrative examples. 

This reporter will need to understand and use data to help find and drive stories. And we will expect you to aggressively pursue public records.

Candidates should have experience in accountability reporting and a talent for explaining complex issues in terms that are engaging and easy to understand. Like all McClatchy journalists, this reporter must have the desire and skills to build audience loyalty, engagement and growth around compelling public service journalism. 

At The Sacramento Bee, the reader comes first. Serving readers in a crowded media marketplace means being the best and most relevant source of journalism that matters to them — and ensuring that our work reaches them, wherever they are. This will require a keen understanding of what’s important to readers, developed through reporting on and familiarity with the region; through the use of audience analytics such as social media referrals and time spent on a story; and through awareness of what people are sharing and talking about on social media. 

What you’ll bring:

• At least five years of reporting experience, preferably on local issues
• Ability to build source networks and bring a constant flow of story ideas
• Strong writing and reporting skills
• Excellent news judgment and and an unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
• Ability to juggle short-term stories and longer-term projects
• Comfort with a job that will be demanding, fast-paced and constantly evolving
• Ability to understand audience metrics and the tactics that move them
• Experience with data and public records
• Enthusiasm for experimenting with new storytelling formats and engagement tools
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work well with editors and colleagues

The anticipated annual salary for this position is between $73,000 and $93,000. 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 healthcare 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.