Government & Public Policy Reporter

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a diversified media company with expansive reach at the national and local level dedicated to empowering and enriching communities. Through trusted brands like the USA TODAY NETWORK and Newsquest in the UK, we provide essential journalism, local content, and digital experiences to audiences and businesses.

About the role

The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal/lubbockonline.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a government and public policy reporter to cover impactful issues in Lubbock and the South Plains-Panhandle region of West Texas. This reporter will focus on watchdog and public-interest journalism in Lubbock—a growing metro area of over 300,000 people—as well as Texas Tech University and the surrounding region, where government and policy developments often have statewide and national impact.

The ideal candidate is highly motivated, adept at digital reporting tools, and skilled in using AI, public records, and data analysis to strengthen reporting. Visual storytelling skills, including photo and video, are essential. This role operates in a hybrid environment, working from our new downtown Lubbock newsroom and in the field.

Responsibilities

• Create content (articles, videos, photos, etc.) about local news that accurately informs, entertains, and engages key audiences and platforms using metrics.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues and work toward becoming the community’s leading voice for government and public policy news.
• Identify key concerns from community members, organizations, and leaders.
• Collaborate with editors and team members to evaluate audience needs and develop ongoing plans to better satisfy them.
• Work with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (e.g., photos, videos, and graphics).
• Promote personal, colleague, and institutional brands.
• Provide great customer service, helping readers find answers and solutions.
• Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, marketing, or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 1-2 years of reporting experience, which may include freelancing, internships, or college publication work.
• Adept at taking photos and video, filing quickly across mobile, desktop, and social media platforms.
• Facility with AI and automation to enhance journalism.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style, with excellent copy-editing skills.
• Passion for news and content that performs well on social platforms.
• Comfortable in fast-breaking, stressful situations.
• Desire to grow and develop a key beat in the newsroom.
• Proficient in using social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, etc.) to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast-paced, digital-first news environment.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on major stories.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment contingent on passing a post-offer pre-employment background check, motor vehicle record check, and drug screen.

Schedule

News often requires employees to work extended hours, evenings, weekends, and holidays, sometimes unexpectedly.