Service Journalism Reporter Job at McClatchy in Bellingham

Overview

McClatchy Media is seeking an audience-focused reporter to join its collaborative and hard-working Bellingham Herald newsroom as a service journalism reporter. The reporter will be based in Bellingham, a coastal city near the Canadian border, joining a reporting group that is fun, team-oriented and focused on reaching readers with the stories of western Washington state. The service journalism reporter, part of a regional team, focuses on utility journalism with a mission to help local readers navigate day-to-day life. Service journalists write explainers, Q&As, fact checks and answer questions locally trending online. Reporters in this role also contribute to local and regional news and breaking coverage. This reporter should be able to craft stories based on local users’ needs and interests and engage directly with readers online and in person.

Responsibilities

• Write frequently, welcome daily assignments, and cultivate and pitch own ideas.
• Find stories and questions in every corner of the community and report on city curiosities as well as topics discussed on sites like Nextdoor and Reddit.
• Collaborate with journalists across the newsroom on major news events and local happenings.
• Demonstrate versatility, initiative and SEO savvy; work in a team environment.
• Live in Whatcom County.

What you'll bring

Must have

• 1-3 years of reporting or writing experience.
• A college degree or work equivalent.
• Strong reporting and writing skills with the ability to identify stories important to readers.
• Flexibility and speed in writing to respond to evolving news events and user needs.
• Excellent news judgment and journalism ethics.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Willingness to cover a variety of topics.
• Passion for utility journalism that helps readers in their daily lives.
• Reliable transportation with a valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance (minimum required for the state).

Nice to have

• Track record of community engagement and audience-centered reporting.
• Willingness to do multimedia storytelling, including recording vertical video.
• Familiarity with Google Trends, social media platforms, public records requests and data.
• Familiarity with measuring and tracking success using metrics and analytics.
• Track record for innovation, learning and using new skills and technologies, especially AI.

What we'll bring

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. We strive to be an employer of choice, with a benefits package focused on health, well-being, wealth and daily life. Benefits include healthcare coverage for employees and families, financial protection, wellness resources, and coverage for dependents. The package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and holidays, and mental health benefits. For more information, visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

Bellingham, with a population of about 90,000, sits between Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia, offering views of the Cascade Mountains, whale-watching opportunities, a craft brewery scene and outdoor recreation.

How to apply

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3-6 work samples for full consideration. References may be requested. The anticipated base pay range is $21.64 to $24.94 per hour, with actual pay depending on experience and other factors.

About McClatchy Media

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of trusted news, lifestyle and entertainment brands with a robust retail distribution network. Our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month. The McClatchy Retail Network delivers to thousands of locations weekly.