Suburban Growth & Accountability Reporter (UNION)

Suburban Growth & Accountability Reporter (UNION) Columbus, OH, USA Job Description Posted Wednesday, August 5, 2026 at 4:00 AM |Current USA TODAY Co. Employees- Please ensure you are using our abbreviated process on the internal Careers site by logging into Dayforce through MyApps| USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. We seek to inspire, inform, and connect audiences as a sustainable, growth focused media and digital marketing solutions company. Through our trusted brands, including the USA TODAY NETWORK, comprised of the national publication, USA TODAY , and local media organizations, including our network of local properties, in the United States, and Newsquest , a wholly-owned subsidiary operating in the United Kingdom, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses. We deliver high-quality, trusted content with a commitment to balanced, unbiased journalism, where and when consumers want to engage. Our digital marketing solutions brand, LocaliQ , supports small and medium-sized businesses with innovative digital marketing products and solutions. USA TODAY Co. open roles are featured on various external job boards. When applying to a position at USA TODAY Co., you should be completing an application on USA TODAY Co. Careers viaDayforce . Job postings directing you to complete an application on other external sites may not be valid. If you are a California resident, you acknowledge that by applying for a job with us, this California Job Applicant Privacy Notice will apply to our collection, use, and disclosure of your personal information. To connect with us, visit The Columbus Dispatch/Dispatch.com seeks a versatile watchdog reporter to cover assigned suburban communities in a highly competitive, fast-paced news environment. We are looking for a journalist who is comfortable with text and video coverage of quick-hit breaking news, service journalism and ambitious enterprise. The best candidate has a deep curiosity and unrelenting commitment to get to the bottom of an issue, hold individuals and institutions accountable, and identify solutions.They also should be comfortable authoring a newsletter highlighting their suburban coverage and being a face and brand readers are eager to engage with in their assigned area. This reporter will be attuned to the community and have a feel for the local buzz. They will infiltrate social media and develop a deep source roster so they can uncover and break exclusive, impactful stories about the topics and issues that matter most to our audience. In this fast-growing area, growth and development, data centers, economic and social disparity, affordable housing, and traffic are among key coverage topics. We expect that that this reporter will recognize compelling, shareable stories and will be quick to jump on them and consistently that makes a difference and helps retain and grow audience. The best applicant will have experience with public records and be able to quickly unravel complex and controversial issues. They also should be able to author newsletters for readers. This job is best suited for a journalist who can break down issues, politics, and government actions into digestible, to-the-point stories and use audience metrics to guide coverage decisions to stories that readers, viewers and listeners are interested in. Versatility is essential, as coverage will stretch from stories about proposed new developments to the needs of a city's most vulnerable residents to city council races to service journalism about 10 new road projects to look for. You will be part of a collaborative team and expected to jump in on trending and breaking news and cover for colleagues as needed. There will be some weekend and night assignments. Requirements: Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Two years of reporting experience in a daily newsroom. Strong communication skills, news judgment and headline-writing ability. Strong interpersonal skills. SEO skills and proficiency on social media platforms, including Facebook, X, Threads and Instagram, and experience engaging readers in this public space. Energetic self-starter and a fast thinker who can spot stories that matter. Experience shooting and editing photos and video on an iPhone. Experience using artificial intelligence to assist news gathering. Ability to multitask and excel in a fast-paced environment under intense deadline pressure. Ability to work collaboratively and efficiently with a team of journalists. Strong writing, spelling and grammar skills and knowledge of AP style. Familiarity with using audience metrics to guide coverage. Command of media law and principles of ethical conduct. The hourly rate for this role will range between $27.85 and $31.83. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable. USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission. #J-18808-Ljbffr USA Today