The USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida is seeking an experienced and enterprising reporter to hold the powerful in Florida accountable for a 1-year assignment. This Florida-based reporter understands politics, state government and the Legislature and who controls it. The job goes beyond covering legislative committee meetings, tracking bills and following political campaigns to reveal what is happening behind the scenes to influence and impact legislation. We’re looking for someone who is just as comfortable breaking daily news as they are juggling short- and medium-term investigative and enterprise stories that set the coverage agenda for everyone else.
Above all, this reporter will watchdog the state’s chief executive: Gov. Ron DeSantis. That will include monitoring the governor’s many media appearances for breaking and enterprise news opportunities. Now that DeSantis has suspended his presidential campaign and returned to Tallahassee, his renewed focus on remaking the state deserves deeper dives and close attention.
But make no mistake, this is a statewide government accountability position, requiring a versatile reporter willing to tell stories to reach beyond the statehouse regulars of lobbyists, lawmakers and politicos to the people who must live with the decisions made in Tallahassee – the small business owner, the single parent, the convenience store clerk, the soccer mom, the grandparent. This is first a watchdog position, but it also requires smart, context-filled storytelling and the ability to excel on deadline in one of the most competitive statehouse press corps in the country.
This reporter supplies high-value coverage for the entire USA TODAY Network – Florida, which encompasses Gannett-owned newspapers and websites across the state – from Pensacola to Naples to West Palm Beach to Jacksonville. We represent the largest network of journalists in Florida and contribute regularly to USA TODAY. This reporter may collaborate with reporters and editors across the state (and elsewhere). The position can be based in Tallahassee, Sarasota or remotely from anywhere in the state based on experience.
Given the state’s diverse population, the ability to speak Spanish is also a plus. This job requires great sourcing, the ability to learn subject matters quickly, and a passion for digging through documents and data. Statehouse experience is a plus, but any great reporter with a proven record of meaningful stories can apply.
The successful candidate will:
Break and deliver a steady stream of news stories to a growing audience, helping define news coverage in one of the most politically vital and fascinating states in the country.
Produce watchdog and accountability journalism that leads to change.
Track the power and influence of money in the political process.
Produce compelling premium journalism that drives digital subscriptions
Bring a digital and social media mindset and know how to engage readers.
Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
Here's what you need:
Bachelor's degree in journalism or related discipline
Prior reporting experience covering local, city, county or state government.
Excellent communication and time management skills
Demonstrated experience with public records and data
Ability to produce accurate and detailed content in a competitive environment
Expertise with all major social media platforms
This reporter will be part of a team of statewide reporters that reports to the Florida Government Accountability team leader. The USA TODAY NETWORK – Florida includes the Palm Beach Post, The Tallahassee Democrat, The Florida Times-Union, the Sarasota Herald-Tribune, the Naples Daily News and many more. We are an energetic and fast-paced media company with a news team committed to covering Florida.
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