Accountability Reporter at The Modesto FOCUS Job at Central Valley Journalism Co

Are you a journalist who loves telling stories that drive change? Do you get excited about digging into complex issues and holding power to account? The Modesto FOCUS, a new nonprofit, nonpartisan newsroom, is looking for an Accountability Reporter to create impactful journalism for Modesto and Stanislaus County.

As part of the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative, The Modesto FOCUS will launch in mid-2025 with a mission to deliver high-quality local journalism. Modesto, located in California's San Joaquin Valley, is a growing city known for its agricultural heritage, vibrant arts scene, and close-knit communities. Stanislaus County, with its diverse population and rich cultural history, offers a unique mix of urban and rural life, providing prime opportunities for powerful journalism. This job is an opportunity to dive deep into key issues, pursue investigative projects, and make a tangible difference in one of California’s most dynamic regions. 

This is a key role in a startup newsroom. You’ll have the freedom to innovate, the chance to build deep community connections, and the responsibility to pursue impactful, change-making journalism.

Key responsibilities

• Produce enterprise and investigative journalism with a focus on accountability reporting.
• Report on key issues affecting the people of Modesto and Stanislaus County, from local government and education to housing, health care, and more.
• Develop and maintain trusted sources across the community to uncover stories that matter.
• Research, analyze, and interpret data, documents, and other records to support deep investigative reporting.
• Write compelling, well-researched stories that resonate with and reflect the lived experiences of local residents.
• Collaborate with the newsroom team to brainstorm story ideas and provide coverage that is fair, accurate, and inclusive.
• Engage with local communities to understand their needs and issues. Attend meetings, forums, and other relevant events.
• Utilize data, experts, and training opportunities, to enhance the quality and depth of reporting projects.

Qualifications

• Experience: Mid-career journalist with a strong background in reporting, preferably with experience at a local news organization.
• Skills: Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills. Proficiency in data journalism and multimedia storytelling is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with students, editors, sources and community members. Strong mentoring skills and a commitment to development.
• Cultural competence: Strong understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors affecting Stanislaus County communities.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in multimedia journalism tools and platforms, including video production, photography, and social media.
• Research skills: Ability to conduct thorough research and present complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Interpersonal skills: Excellent interviewing skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse sources.
• Travel: This position is based in Modesto, CA. Driving to other Stanislaus County/San Joaquin Valley locations will be required.

Bonus points for:

• Language proficiency: Fluency in Spanish and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages, 
• Multi-platform experience: Podcasting, photography, video production or data visualization.
• Social media competency: Experience using social platforms such as Whatsapp to develop sources and reach coverage communities.

Compensation and benefits 

• Full-time exempt position with starting salary of $80k-90k annually with excellent benefits (100% medical coverage for employees, 50% coverage for dependents) provided to qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements. 
• Professional development, training, and conferences offered for staff
• Starting at three weeks of vacation with generous sick, holidays and additional personal days to use as needed 
• Retirement with employer contribution
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
• Professional development, training, and conferences offered for staff in related professional field 
• Mileage reimbursement will be provided

CVJC is an equal opportunity employer and fosters a workplace without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic. CVJC also follows and adheres to the latest COVID safety measure per federal, state, and local county guidelines.

In the application process you will be asked to provide:

• Resume/CV: Detailed professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter: Explain your interest in the job and relevant experience.
• Writing samples: Provide at least three samples of your reporting.
• References: Contact information for three professional references.

About the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative

Launched by the James B. McClatchy Foundation (JBMF) in 2021, the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative (CVJC) is a nonprofit superstructure dedicated to ensuring public service journalism thrives in California’s Central Valley. CVJC publishes The Merced FOCUS and recently launched  The Intersection, a reporting lab focused on health equity in the northern San Joaquin Valley. In 2025, it will launch its second community-based newsroom, The Modesto FOCUS. It also supports Valley newsrooms through grants and training programs. 

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