Senior General Assignment Reporters

The Los Angeles Times is seeking accomplished, veteran reporters to join our award-winning newsroom. We are looking for journalists who bring the full suite of reporting skills to one of the most dynamic news environments in the world. California is a global driver of politics, entertainment, technology and societal innovation - and we need reporters who can capture the scale and drama of its story.

This is a premier assignment that demands the talents of a "Swiss Army Knife" journalist: someone who understands that a story that starts in a Los Angeles neighborhood can quickly turn viral and who can helm a massive breaking news story involving a team of reporters one day, and lead a months-long investigative project the next.

You will be a leading voice in a vibrant newsroom that is dedicated to the highest level of public service journalism, and you will help shape coverage of the nation's most populous state - all while demonstrating the agility to pivot from local California issues to major national and foreign events when the news cycle demands.

The role:

You will be a cornerstone of our coverage. You aren't just a writer; you are a leader on the page and in the newsroom. Whether it's a fast-moving wildfire, civil unrest, a political scandal or a quirky human-interest feature, you possess the range to handle it with authority and flair.

You will be tasked with helming major breaking stories, weaving a torrent of feeds from a swarm of reporters into a compelling account of the day's events on a punishing deadline. When the news cycle slows, you may pivot to leading major projects and investigations that drive the local and national conversation.

Who you are:

• A veteran journalist: You have extensive experience at a major metropolitan or national news organization, with a portfolio that proves you've "been there, done that"
• A deadline artist: You thrive when the clock is ticking, able to produce clean, sophisticated and analytical copy in real time
• Master of "the sweep": You can write with authority and elegance on deadline, making sense of chaos for a global audience
• Collaborative and mature: You understand that great journalism is a team sport. You are a low-ego, high-output collaborator who makes everyone around you better
• Well-rounded: You possess the versatility to cover a wildfire, immigration sweeps, Hollywood murders, a boardroom coup or a neighborhood trend with equal curiosity and skill

Responsibilities:

• Serve as the lead writer for major breaking news, synthesizing reporting from multiple sources into a singular, cohesive narrative that engages and informs our core Southern California readership
• Identify, pitch and execute deep-dive projects and long-form investigations that hold power to account, from the White House to Los Angeles City Hall
• Move seamlessly between hard-hitting investigative prose, sophisticated rewrite work and stylish, evocative features
• Work collegially across the newsroom, partnering with Pulitzer-winning veterans and early-career reporters in a challenging and competitive news environment
• Document a region that is a global leader in politics, entertainment, societal innovation and technology

Requirements:

• Minimum of six years of experience in professional journalism (or equivalent high-level experience)
• Proven track record of leading major projects or investigative series
• Exceptional writing ability, specifically the skill of "the sweep" - providing context and narrative scale to complex events
• Experience working in a team reporting environment
• A deep commitment to the ethics and standards of the Los Angeles Times
• Comfortable appearing on TV, radio and podcasts on behalf of the L.A. Times

This role is listed as Reporter in the Los Angeles Times Guild and will be based in El Segundo, Calif. Occasional travel is expected, as is night and weekend work. Bilingual or multilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. Reporters must have a valid driver's license and access to a vehicle in good working condition, with suitable auto insurance coverage.

Qualified candidates should send a resume, cover letter and applicable clips to Deputy Managing Editor Monte Morin.

The L.A. Times is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We actively work to create an inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. This Privacy Notice for Los Angeles Times sets forth how we will use the information we obtain when you apply for a position with us. Explore our company history, achievement, values, mission and more on our career site.


The pay scale the Company reasonably expects to pay for this position at the time of the posting is $90,006 to $119,293 and takes into account a wide range of factors including but not limited to skill set, experience, training, licenses, certifications, and other business or organizational needs. Compensation will be determined based on the above factors along with the requirements of the position. At the L.A. Times, it is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role. Please visit our career site to view the benefits available to our employees. We recommend adding our applicant tracking system domain (@dayforce.com) as a safe sender or contact, sometimes these emails get filtered to candidates' spam folders.