Change Reporter (San Luis Obispo)

The Tribune in San Luis Obispo, California, is looking for an energetic, versatile journalist to cover one of the highest-interest beats in the newsroom : how our cities and communities are changing, both at the neighborhood level and from a macro perspective.

This isnt just a business reporter. Its a person who has their eye out constantly for all of the town-square, on-the-corner stories that directly affect our readers lives, because something new is happening in their hometown.

What kinds of stories will this person write? A wide and engaging range, including quick-turn business openings / closings; dining, beer and wine stories; look inside features that give readers first, exclusive access; overall growth and development trends; and high-utility pieces that answer reader questions about progress on ongoing, notable projects (i.e, whats that new building?).

Were seeking someone who can balance the fast pace of breaking news and quick-turnaround stories with in-depth, longer-form journalism that connects with our communities and provides the kind of value that compels readers to become subscribers.

The ideal candidate for this position is a person who loves building relationships, is highly organized and is a strong communicator and collaborator who thrives working on a team. We have a cohesive newsroom of journalists who look out for each other and are always willing to pitch in. Each of our reporters rotates on a one-day-a-week breaking news schedule that keeps them sharp and up-to-date on all the processes of creating, posting and promoting stories so that they reach the widest audience in a timely manner.

Were looking for an independent, self-motivated person who can spot and report stories without waiting for the assignment and who can cultivate reliable sources. The qualified candidate can quickly and accurately report live stories using vertical video (like TikTok), social and other digital tools. This person is eager to be an expert on their beat and ready to build a personal brand that people can trust.

We are seeking a reporter who understands the critical importance of headlines and SEO and knows how to grow readership because theyve studied performance of their stories in the digital space, using analytics tools. We need someone who is ready to learn and ethically experiment with AI, using emergent tools and brainstorming new uses for how technology can improve our reporting and make our work more efficient.

Located on the picturesque and temperate Central Coast, The Tribune is one of 30 news organizations in the McClatchy Media company. Were a news and information organization, with our website, app, newsletters, newspaper and other products on different delivery platforms. At The Tribune, we aim to punch above our weight, and we have consistently been named the best California news organization of our size, winning first place in general excellence from the California News Publishers Association three years in a row. We turn stories fast, we hold people accountable and were always ready for the next great headline.

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $25 and $25.96 an hour. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, department equity and relevant education.

What you'll bring :

• A college degree in journalism or equivalent experience
• 1-3 years of reporting experience, but we will consider new graduates
• Strong writing skills, excellent news judgment and a demonstrated ability to see the story that is going to matter to readers
• Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
• Vigorous and fearless reporting
• An eagerness to learn, absorb advice and apply it
• The ability to monitor and mine various sources
• An understanding of what drives interest on Facebook, X, TikTok and other social media platforms;
• A strong entrepreneurial spirit, good curiosity and high energy
• A collaborative style that allows you to work comfortably and collegially with newsroom colleagues
• A familiarity shooting photos and video
• Experience with AI and a willingness to experiment in that space
• Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid drivers license and vehicle insurance required.

To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work

About the McClatchy Media Company

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle, entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our iconic local news brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee, have collectively earned a total of 57 Pulitzer prizes and are complemented by popular lifestyle and entertainment brands such as Us Weekly and Womans World. Together, our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month,The McClatchy Retail Network, our distribution and logistics arm, offers delivery to more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.

Salary / Compensation : $25.00 - $25.96 per hour

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