Description
Investigative reporter -- The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution, the largest and most influential local news organization in Georgia, seeks an investigative reporter to reveal problems that harm Georgians and point the way to solutions. The AJC’s mission is to be the most essential and engaging source of news and information for the people of Atlanta, of Georgia and the South. To achieve that mission, we are investing and transforming our organization from a storied daily newspaper into a modern media company.
We seek an investigative reporter to examine the workings of government, institutions and individuals, reveal breakdowns, failures and corruption and hold public officials and institutions accountable for serving the public.
Role Description
The Atlanta Journal‑Constitution has a strong record as a powerful investigative force for good and we are looking for someone to join a team committed to that mission.
If selected for this role, you will provide unique, in‑depth stories for print, digital, audio and video editions by examining the workings of government and other powerful institutions and individuals. You must be highly skilled at source development and in‑depth reporting, adept at recognizing and framing investigative story ideas and knowledgeable about public records laws. You will produce quick‑turn watchdog and investigative work and longer‑term project work while maintaining rigorous standards for fairness and accuracy.
Stories will typically involve deep digging, including public record acquisition and data analysis, and will often involve partnership with other reporters, members of our data team and presentation specialists. The AJC investigative team values close collaboration between reporters, editors and other teams across the newsroom.
An ideal fit for this role is a reporter with a proven record of investigative reporting or a strong watchdog government or business reporter. Published material must demonstrate a record of compelling writing and investigative impact. Multi‑media experience beyond print writing is a very strong factor and will be expected in the role.
Key Requirements, Skills and Abilities
- Demonstrates strong news judgment and the ability to quickly develop journalism that holds institutions and individuals accountable for following laws and serving the public.
- Displays depth as a reporter and delivers stories without reporting gaps. Writes with authority and produces clean story drafts that do not require substantial re‑writing.
- Expert at reporting using records and databases and navigating public‑records laws.
- Collaborates effectively with colleagues in the newsroom and embraces contributions that can improve the work.
- Generates work that is balanced, fair, accurate and complete, incorporating a diverse range of sources and avoiding bias.
- Manages time effectively, meeting deadlines while producing an acceptable volume of work that demonstrates a mix of shorter‑term and long‑term accountability journalism.
- Handles other assignments as needed, showing flexibility and adaptability.
- Adapts to news‑cycle needs, including fast‑breaking news, short‑term enterprise and in‑depth explanatory and watchdog coverage.
- Juggles priorities and assignments; organized and efficient. Quickly comes up‑to‑speed on new assignments.
- Creates effective cross‑platform content; contributes versions for print, digital, audio and video.
- Plans or takes photos, video and collects audio. Demonstrated on‑air experience and presence in audio or video is a plus.
- Communicates across the newsroom and collaborates effectively.
- Engages with editors on framing and presenting stories on digital and print platforms.
The responsibilities above describe the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this job. This is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position.
Position Requirements
Education: Bachelor's degree preferred; experience may substitute for a degree.
Experience: 8+ years of professional journalism
ewsroom experience, including significant investigative or watchdog work off a beat or as a full‑time investigative reporter. Comparable experience through other roles may be considered for outstanding candidates.
- Proven record serving audiences in a fast‑paced, productive environment that is shaped by research, audience metrics and audience needs in print and in digital.
- A body of published work that demonstrates investigative impact.
- Collaborative spirit.
- Experience in a broadcast or digital environment is a plus.
- Fluency in a language other than English is a plus.
Additional Requirements
- Permanent residence in metro Atlanta required.
- Flexibility to work a varied schedule that could include nights, early mornings and/or weekends.
- Reliable internet access to work remotely.
- Local travel required; a reliable vehicle is necessary.
Benefits
Benefits may include health care insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement planning (401(k)), and paid days off (sick leave, parental leave, flexible vacation/wellness days, and/or PTO). For more details on what benefits you may be offered, visit the benefits page.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Cox is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer – All qualified applicants/employees will receive consideration for employment without regard to that individual's age, race, color, religion or creed, national origin or ancestry, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, ethnicity, citizenship, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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