Suburban news, growth, development reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with national and local reach, dedicated to empowering communities through balanced journalism, digital content, and marketing solutions. Through its brands—including USA TODAY, local newspapers, and the digital marketing arm LocaliQ—it provides essential journalism, local content, and innovative digital tools for small and medium businesses. The company is committed to sustainable growth and responsible media practices.

Job Overview
USA TODAY Co. (The Clarion Ledger), part of the USA TODAY Network, seeks an investigative reporter to cover Suburban News, Growth and Development in the Jackson, Mississippi area. The role emphasizes watchdog reporting on the use of taxpayer money, public policy, and community development, while also handling general daily assignments, breaking news, and enterprise stories with accompanying visuals and analysis. The reporter will engage readers, collaborate with editors and content strategists, and enrich the local media landscape.

Typical Job Duties

Create accurate, engaging storytelling that informs, entertains, and meets the needs of specific audiences across platforms.

Connect with the community through storytelling and outreach—social media, on-camera segments, forums, and community leadership—while providing thoughtful analysis of complex issues.

Work with editors and regional content strategists to evaluate performance and develop plans to better satisfy audience needs.

Collaborate with the content team to integrate audio, video, graphics, photos, and other elements into stories; capture basic photography and video as needed.

Promote personal brand, colleague brands, and the institutional brand.

Coach and mentor less‑experienced journalists.

Provide excellent customer service to readers seeking answers and solutions.

Cover breaking news on a variety of subjects as required, adapting to the candidate’s skill set.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or equivalent experience and education.

Three years of experience building a personal brand and reader base.

Proficiency with advanced storytelling techniques across multiple platforms.

Application Instructions
To apply, submit a single PDF document containing: 1) a one‑to‑two‑page résumé; 2) a cover letter outlining your approach to the role; and 3) links to 3‑6 online samples that best reflect your work for this position. This format ensures your application receives the highest consideration.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal‑opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. We consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity or expression, religion, age, marital status, appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, disability, pregnancy status, genetic information, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other classifications protected by applicable federal, state, and local laws. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities or religious needs. Applicants who require accommodation should contact the Recruitment Department at Recruit@usatodayco.com. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location; applications from outside those regions will be removed from our system after submission.

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