California Reporter, San Francisco, Sacramento & Northern California Outdoors Jo

California Reporter, San Francisco, Sacramento & Northern California Outdoors

This San Francisco and Sacramento-based reporter for USA TODAY is devoted to serving the vibrant, diverse readership of Northern California, with a focus on the pulse and personality of the Bay Area, the Capital Region, and the outdoor playgrounds of NorCal. This reporter will explore and chronicle the news that captivates local audiences along with the unique outdoor adventures and recreational opportunities that beckon beyond San Francisco—celebrating the everyday people who define Northern California’s spirit as well as the visionaries, iconic brands, celebrated events, world-renowned landmarks and natural wonders.

This role demands versatility and collaboration, working with producers, videographers, reporters, editors and audience specialists to deliver multimedia storytelling and news from the heart and soul of San Francisco, Sacramento, and adventure-rich NorCal destinations. From storied neighborhoods like the Mission District and Old Sacramento, to events like the Bay to Breakers race, Sacramento Farm-to-Fork Festival, and Pride Parades; from beloved brands born in Silicon Valley to food scenes in Chinatown, Japantown, and Midtown Sacramento, the reporter will also spotlight the outdoor escapes and adrenaline-fueled activities that make Northern California a haven for recreation enthusiasts.

This role will be based in the Sacramento Valley area.

Responsibilities

• Serve the needs of California’s readers by producing rigorous, accessible, and engaging journalism spotlighting the top stories of the day from San Francisco, Sacramento, and Northern California with a focus on the region’s distinctive people, communities, events and brands.
• Collaborate with USA TODAY Network local newsrooms and national teams to amplify stories of the Northern Californians who shape their neighborhoods and natural spaces as well as the influential figures—from tech innovators and civic leaders to outdoor guides, grassroots activists and celebrated athletes.
• Deliver thoughtful analysis and dynamic reporting on signature events, traditions, festivals, milestones, and the range of adventure and recreation opportunities found throughout NorCal—from hiking, camping, and mountain biking in the Sierra Nevada to kayaking along the American River, wine tasting in Napa and Sonoma, surfing in Santa Cruz, exploring the Lost Coast, and skiing in Lake Tahoe.
• Highlight the diversity of places and spaces, from the hills and parks of San Francisco and tree-lined boulevards of Sacramento to towering redwoods in Muir Woods, rugged trails at Mount Shasta, the scenic Pacific Coast Highway, volcanic wonders in Lassen Volcanic National Park, and the tranquil shores of Shasta Lake.
• Create stories across multiple platforms, celebrating everyday people and what makes San Francisco, Sacramento, and greater Northern California special.
• Contribute to public good by amplifying voices, exposing injustices, and sparking meaningful change through watchdog and solutions-oriented journalism, with attention to the unique challenges and triumphs of Northern California’s communities and its outdoor landscapes.
• Serve audiences first and continuously assess coverage to ensure stories capture the essence, vibrancy, and adventurous spirit of San Francisco, Sacramento, and Northern California.
• Promote the personal brand, the work of colleagues, and the institutional brand through engagement, events, and outreach.
• Deliver exceptional customer service, guiding readers to answers and actionable solutions relevant to living, working, playing, and thriving in San Francisco, Sacramento and throughout NorCal.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least two years of newsroom reporting, with experience in multimedia and collaborative environments and knowledge of San Francisco’s, Sacramento’s, and NorCal’s people and places.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving readers and building community relationships.
• Outstanding communication, news judgment, and headline-writing skills, with fluency in AP style.
• Proficiency on major social media platforms (Instagram, Reddit and TikTok) and experience engaging local and regional readers and viewers.
• Agility and initiative to identify stories that resonate with Northern California audiences, including those that illuminate what makes the region extraordinary for both city dwellers and outdoor adventurers.
• Ability to thrive under deadline pressure, multitask, and contribute effectively within a team.
• Command of media law, principles of ethical journalism, and commitment to accuracy and transparency.
• Spanish fluency is highly valued.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and state-required minimum liability insurance.

Application Instructions

We Welcome Your Application And Encourage You To Showcase Your Passion For Uncovering And Sharing The Stories That Make San Francisco, Sacramento, Greater Northern California, And Its Outdoors a Place Like No Other. Please Submit a Single Document Containing

• Your resume (one to two pages).
• A cover letter outlining your approach to this role and your relevant reporting and adventure experience in San Francisco, Sacramento and NorCal.
• Clips or links to your best work, highlighting coverage of the region’s special people, places, brands, events, outdoor adventures, and cultural identity.

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.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.

Gannett Co., Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. The hourly rate for this role will range between $50,500 and $78,906. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including but not limited to the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

Gannett Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where Gannett employs employees. In addition, Gannett Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with Gannett Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact Gannett Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at Recruit@gannett.com.