Job Description

Public Trust And Accountability Journalist

The Erie Times-News and GoErie.com, part of the USA TODAY Network, seek an ambitious public trust and accountability journalist to help residents understand how public institutions shape life across Erie County, Pennsylvania.

This is not a traditional government reporting role. We're looking for a reporter who understands that meaningful accountability journalism is about outcomes, not process. Rather than focusing on meetings and political statements, this reporter examines whether public promises produce results, how taxpayer dollars are spent and how decisions made by governments and public agencies affect people's lives.

The public trust and accountability reporter covers governance, transparency, public investment and institutional performance. They'll build sources throughout the community, use records and data to find answers and pursue the questions residents most want answered. Politicians and administrators are not the center of the story. Accountability is.

Coverage may include public spending, infrastructure, neighborhood conditions, budgets, government transparency, civic participation, boards and commissions and long-term tracking of major public initiatives. The reporter will work closely with colleagues covering housing, public safety, education, health and business, leading accountability reporting that cuts across every beat.

We're seeking a journalist who combines strong enterprise instincts with community engagement skills and a passion for helping residents navigate public systems. Video journalism is a core responsibility, and the successful candidate will regularly produce visual storytelling that explains complex issues and connects directly with audiences. Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience using those tools to enhance their journalism.

Typical Job Duties

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, engages and empowers audiences.
• Produces accountability and enterprise journalism focused on government performance, transparency and public outcomes.
• Develops deep sourcing among residents, community leaders, public officials and institutional stakeholders.
• Builds and maintains long-term reporting arcs that track promises, implementation efforts and measurable outcomes.
• Uses data, public records and document-driven reporting to uncover trends and hold institutions accountable.
• Produces video, social and digital storytelling that expands the reach and impact of reporting.
• Collaborates with audience, visual, investigative and beat reporters across the newsroom.
• Works with content and audience strategists to identify information needs and strengthen community engagement.
• Captures basic photos and video when appropriate.
• Promotes personal brand, newsroom brands and the USA TODAY Network mission.
• Provides outstanding service journalism by helping readers find answers and navigate public systems.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven record of strong reporting and enterprise journalism.
• Ability to develop sources and build trust across diverse communities.
• Strong news judgment and accountability reporting instincts.
• Experience using public records, data and document-driven reporting.
• Excellent interviewing, research and storytelling skills.
• Knowledge of AP style.
• Understanding of digital audience needs, SEO and social media strategy.
• Experience producing or appearing in video journalism is preferred.
• Strong ethical standards and commitment to accurate, fair reporting.
• Willingness to experiment with new tools and storytelling formats, including responsible use of AI.
• Ability to collaborate effectively across teams and within the USA TODAY Network.
• Comfort balancing breaking news demands with longer-term enterprise projects.
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation and minimum state-required auto insurance.

About Erie County

Set on the shores of Lake Erie, Erie County offers journalists the chance to cover a community of more than 260,000 -- big enough to matter and small enough to make an impact. The region combines a freshwater coastline, rich history, vibrant arts and cultural amenities and abundant outdoor recreation with affordability and accessibility often missing in larger markets. Buffalo, Cleveland and Pittsburgh are within easy driving distance. Yes, winters can be cold and snowy, but they are part of the region's character and resilience. For journalists who want their work to be seen, felt and remembered, Erie remains a place where strong reporting can genuinely make a difference.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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