Senior Reporter, State Issues Job at Investigative Reporters and Editors in Wilm

NC Local is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization focused on delivering public-service journalism about statewide issues and strengthening North Carolina’s news ecosystem. Our mission is to help all North Carolinians stay informed, understand local impacts, and engage in the decisions shaping their futures.

The Role

As a member of the NC Local newsroom, the Senior Reporter will serve as the lead journalist for our work to localize state issues in plain language for communities across North Carolina. This role involves journalism skills and experience, and also engagement beyond articles through digital channels, new products and services, and in-person community events. The Senior Reporter will identify local issues of regional and statewide importance and oversee the production of content and projects in various formats of accessible service journalism for diverse audiences. The role also includes developing and creating compelling products like newsletters, podcasts, and social media posts, and spearheading partnerships with other media and community groups across the state.

What You’ll Do

• Identify news and information needs across the state and devise ways to localize content for specific audiences
• Launch and lead reporting, writing and collaborative work on statewide issues for NC Local products and channels (e.g., newsletter, text-message services, social platforms)
• Explain complex legislative issues in accessible, easy-to-understand formats and show how they affect where people live
• Manage freelance contributors and, over time, other reporting staff on NC Local content and projects
• Collaborate with other NC Local staff and partners to engage communities through listening sessions, events, and ongoing opportunities
• Create, design and implement engaging online and in-person opportunities and products for news and information
• Coordinate with media partners and community organizations on reporting and community engagement projects

Who You Are And What You Bring

• Proven journalism experience, preferably 5 years or more
• Strong research, writing, copyediting and editing abilities
• A collaborative spirit with a desire to coach and mentor other journalists
• Ability to explain complex topics in a clear and accessible way
• Familiarity with state-level policy and current affairs, particularly the NC General Assembly
• Ability to meet deadlines and adhere to editorial guidelines
• Willingness to manage multiple projects and work with different constituencies
• Interest in connecting with diverse and underserved communities across NC
• Curiosity, generosity and coachability
• Analytical skills or willingness to learn analysis of digital metrics
• An experimental mindset and openness to new and creative ways to provide news and information

Compensation And Benefits

NC Local offers competitive salaries and benefits focused on employee well-being. This role’s salary range begins at $68,000, with compensation dependent on experience and skills. Benefits include health, dental and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and personal time off, and a tech stipend. NC Local is a remote-first organization, and the Senior Reporter will work in the Triangle.

Employment type: Full-time | Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing | Industry: Non-profit Organizations

We’re committed to equal opportunity in all aspects of employment and strongly encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Relevant EEO statements and notices may be included as needed.