Accountability Reporter

The Austin American-Statesman is seeking a tenacious, inquisitive, and accountability-focused reporter with a passion for exposing harm and producing revelatory journalism. This reporter will investigate abuses of power, conflicts of interest, and betrayals of public trust in Austin and Texas. The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data analysis skills, and the ability to make complex issues understandable to a general audience. Our reporters live in and are embedded within the Austin community, ensuring coverage is grounded in the realities of the people we serve. This is a high-impact role that demands watchdog reporting, explanatory journalism and deep source cultivation. What You’ll Do Scrutinize Power: Hold elected officials, government agencies, businesses, and institutions accountable for their actions. Uncover Hidden Truths: Reveal information others may want to keep hidden through persistent reporting and public records requests. Serve the Public Interest: Center stories on issues that affect underserved communities, including housing, public safety, and climate change. Analyze Data and Records: Examine budgets, policies, and databases to uncover patterns and provide context. Cultivate Sources: Build a diverse network of contacts, from policymakers to everyday residents. Tell Stories Across Platforms: Produce clear, compelling journalism for both digital and print audiences, often on deadline. Key Responsibilities Write quick-turn daily stories on high-impact news as it develops in a rapidly growing city and county. Develop original enterprise and watchdog stories by cultivating expertise in local government and policy, and connecting policy decisions to residents’ lived experiences. Use the Texas Open Meetings Act, the Texas Public Information Act, and database reporting to hold public officials accountable. Build a diverse network of sources, from policymakers and community advocates to everyday residents. Employ multimedia storytelling—photography, video, audio, graphics—to expand the reach and impact of stories. Translate complicated issues into accessible reporting that shows readers why local government matters. Collaborate with other reporters and editors on major coverage including elections, breaking news, crises and investigations. Maintain an active driver’s license, reliable transportation, and auto insurance. Preferred Qualifications Three or more years of journalism experience, preferably covering politics, public policy, or government. Proven ability to gather information from diverse sources, including databases, public records, and social media. Proficiency in interpreting budgets, policy documents, and other public records. Demonstrated skill in cultivating sources and breaking news. Strong writing skills, with a track record of producing clean, concise, compelling copy on deadline. Strong commitment to fairness, accuracy, and journalistic standards. Spanish language proficiency is a plus. Familiarity with Austin or Texas politics is a plus but not required. What We Offer The opportunity to cover one of the most closely watched cities in the country. Support for ambitious, enterprise and investigative work. A collaborative newsroom that values creativity and impact. Competitive salary and benefits. Job Info Job Identification 2024999 Job Category Content and News Posting Date 08/29/2025, 01:48 AM Job Schedule Full time Locations 8000 Metropolis Dr, Austin, TX, 78744, US #J-18808-Ljbffr Hearst Communications, Inc.