Investigative Reporters & Editors, Inc. is hiring: Engagement Reporter (Hawaiʻi

Overview

Civil Beat is seeking a community engagement reporter who will produce a regular cadence of local stories, write for a weekly newsletter and social media, and help organize and host place-based events as part of our award-winning digital news nonprofit dedicated to accountability journalism in Hawaiʻi.

We believe that journalism can and should make a difference. That a vibrant news organization is vital to democracy. That we can improve the lives of people and inform public policy through solid, smart coverage.

This position is part of expanding our coverage of Hawaiʻi’s neighbor islands and it will be focused on Hawaiʻi island issues as well as how they intersect with the broader story of the state. This beat is well-suited to a reporter with deep curiosity and creativity, a knack for developing sources, an ability to build trust in the community and a sharp eye for stories that people will care about.

Responsibilities

• Produce a regular cadence of local stories focused on Hawaiʻi island issues and their connections to broader state-wide narratives.
• Write for a weekly newsletter and social media channels.
• Help organize and host placed-based events in the community.
• Develop sources, build trust in the community, and identify stories that matter to readers.
• Collaborate with reporters at our Oʻahu headquarters and on other neighbor islands as part of a cross-island newsroom.

Qualifications

• A minimum of two years’ journalism experience
• A digital mindset and multimedia skills
• A propensity for journalistic digging and data
• Source building and compelling storytelling
• Knowledge of Hawai‘i island

We’re also willing to consider great candidates who may not have every skill on our ideal checklist. But you must have a clear idea of what you want to do with the wide-open opportunities that Civil Beat offers journalists who are serious about making a difference, with enthusiasm for everything from online-first storytelling to developing a voice for a newsletter, from planning community events to collaborating with reporters at our Oʻahu headquarters and on other neighbor islands – and more.

Location: This position is based on Hawai‘i island and preference will be given to candidates with local roots.

Compensation and Benefits

How We Take Care of Our People: Civil Beat pays competitive salaries and has excellent benefit packages:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 100% healthcare premium coverage for employees, 75% coverage for dependents
• Fully vested 6% 401(k) match
• Six (6) weeks PTO per anniversary year
• Twelve (12) weeks fully paid parental leave
• Company-funded conference travel and training opportunities

The final salary offer for this position will depend on experience and qualifications. The anticipated salary range for this role is between $55,000 – $70,000.

About Civil Beat

Honolulu Civil Beat is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt news organization dedicated to cultivating an informed body of citizens, all striving to make Hawaii a better place to live. We achieve this through investigative and watchdog journalism, in-depth enterprise reporting, analysis and commentary that gives readers a broad view on issues of importance to our community. Our mix of investigative, watchdog and explanatory journalism has informed fundamental changes in Hawaiʻi law, policies and practices as well as positive social change. Our core readers include Hawaiʻi’s major movers and shakers: lawmakers, nonprofit leaders, advocates and community leaders. We are seeking to expand our newsroom to better serve the most marginalized and sidelined communities across the islands.

Honolulu Civil Beat is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to build a newsroom that reflects the diversity and lived experience of people in Hawaiʻi. We encourage people from all communities to apply.

If you are ready to embrace the energy, excitement and demands of a 15-year-old nonprofit newsroom covering Hawaiʻi and its diverse population, then send a resume, cover letter, and two or three examples of your very best journalism to apply@civilbeat.org. Job is open now and applications will be accepted until it is filled.