Investigative Reporter

About the role

The Houston Chronicle is seeking an investigative reporter to join its award-winning investigations team. This position offers an opportunity for an ambitious journalist to develop their own beat and collaborate within a newsroom that has been named the state's best for seven consecutive years.

Responsibilities

• Pitches, reports, and produces coverage that drives conversation and impacts decision-making among the region’s power brokers.
• Owns all aspects of investigative storylines, including subsequent reporting, impact, and updates.
• Collaborates with other reporters, editors, visual journalists, and audience colleagues to elevate accountability and high-impact reporting.
• Presents investigations in new and engaging formats, including videos, to go beyond traditional print storytelling.
• Finds audiences for their work on various platforms, including social media, through a variety of story formats.
• Built data visualizations and databases to bring complex stories to life.

Requirements

At least five years of experience producing original accountability stories with significant impact on laws, lives, and hearts. Strong familiarity with Texas and the ability to identify and pursue investigative story opportunities quickly. Thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, balancing priorities and delivering clear, thoughtful, and precise writing. Proficient in investigative reporting skills, including working with data and filing public records requests at local, state, and federal levels. Experienced with scripting and producing videos to accompany or enhance written investigations. Skilled in building data visualizations and databases to bring complex stories to life.

Qualifications

Produce exclusive coverage that resonates with impact and drives conversation, attracting new audiences and keeping existing ones engaged. Maintain a consistent publishing schedule to consistently offer exclusive, must-read accountability and impact work to the audience. Elevate the biggest accountability stories of the day into quick-turn investigative stories or seed them into long-term rolling series.

Skills

Strong research and writing skills, ability to work independently and collaboratively, proficiency in data analysis and public records requests, experience with video production, and expertise in creating compelling data visualizations.

Benefits

The Houston Chronicle offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including health insurance, retirement plans, and professional development opportunities. As part of Hearst Newspapers, you'll have access to a supportive and innovative workplace culture, with ongoing training and career advancement opportunities.

Pay

Competitive salary based on experience and qualifications.

Schedule

Full-time position with flexible hours to accommodate the demands of investigative reporting.

Community

The Houston Chronicle is committed to serving its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across multiple platforms. The company is part of Hearst Newspapers, which invests in new storytelling methods to connect with millions of readers monthly.