City Government Watchdog Reporter
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About this role
The Asheville Citizen Times is seeking a reporter to cover city government, including but not limited to budgets, homelessness, parking, transportation, the public housing authority and issues that impact quality of life in this mountain city still recovering from the devastation of Tropical Storm Helene.
This is not a stenography position. We're seeking an aggressive, relentlessly curious and persistent watchdog reporter who isn't afraid to dig below the surface and the press releases, to reveal for readers what is really going on, and to hold those in power accountable.
This journalist must bring the skills, experience and empathy to make a difference in our growing and diverse communities. They will identify trends and hot topics, be able to pivot quickly, juggle multiple stories and be adept at meeting daily news deadlines while working on longer enterprise stories.
The reporter must work collaboratively and effectively in a team and demonstrate an awareness of and adherence to the highest journalistic ethical standards.
Responsibilities:
- Identifies key issues through source development, data analysis and document reporting.
- Shapes coverage with independent judgment and strategic insight.
- Collaborates closely with editors to set priorities and deadlines.
- Produces high‑impact, multi‑platform work with a disciplined approach.
- Uses audience metrics to inform coverage plans and meet reader needs.
- Writes clearly and concisely, with strong nut graphs and clear relevance.
- Delivers strong reader service, helping audiences find answers and solutions.
- Builds trust and credibility within the coverage area.
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of three years of daily newspaper reporting experience.
- Energetic self-starter and quick thinker who can identify stories that matter.
- Ability to multitask and perform well in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines.
- Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists.
- Strong communication skills, news judgment, and headline-writing ability.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and compassion.
- Proficiency in social media platforms, including but not limited to Facebook, X, Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit, with experience engaging readers in this public space.
- Experience shooting and editing photos and videos on an iPhone.
- Excellent writing, spelling, and grammar skills with knowledge of USA TODAY Co. style.
- Understanding of media law and principles of ethical conduct.
- This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Application Instructions:
We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:
- Your resume - one to two pages.
- A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
- Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.
It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.
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