News Reporter - Lorain County

About the role

Cleveland.com and The Plain Dealer are seeking a News Reporter focused on Lorain County, Ohio. This role emphasizes information gathering over writing, allowing you to develop sources, investigate records, and explore the beat while a rewrite specialist uses artificial intelligence to transform your findings into full stories.

Lorain County is one of Northeast Ohio’s fastest-growing and most diverse areas, spanning soybean fields, township halls, industrial waterfronts, college towns, and booming suburbs. With roughly 500 square miles and 315,000 residents, the county is defined by change—new arrivals, development, closures, and shifting power dynamics. As the Lorain County Reporter, you will own accountability coverage across the region, including county commissioners, courts, the sheriff’s office, city councils, school boards, zoning meetings, and breaking news.

You’ll file multiple posts daily, collaborating with an AI rewrite desk that handles story composition while you focus on reporting: interviewing sources, engaging with the community, and digging into stories. Examples of compelling Lorain County coverage include investigations into the county jail’s conditions, debates over industrial growth and data centers, and challenges in overcrowded schools.

Responsibilities

• Cover Lorain County’s government, courts, law enforcement, and breaking news with a focus on accountability.
• Attend and report on county commissioners, city councils, school boards, zoning meetings, and other public forums.
• Develop and maintain sources across the county’s diverse communities.
• Gather information, conduct interviews, and investigate records to uncover stories.
• File multiple posts daily for processing by the AI rewrite desk.
• Engage with residents and stakeholders to understand local issues and trends.
• Collaborate with editors and the rewrite specialist to ensure accurate, impactful storytelling.

Requirements

• A degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least 3 years of professional journalism experience with a proven track record in reporting and writing.
• Reliable transportation to meet sources and cover events across Lorain County.

Skills

• Strong collaborative instincts and excellent communication skills.
• Curiosity, adaptability, and comfort with experimentation and innovation, including AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, or newsroom-specific applications).

Pay

The base salary range for this position is $55,000 - $65,000 per year.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare options, including medical, dental, and vision plans.
• Mental health support options and flexible spending accounts.
• Fertility assistance and a competitive 401(k) plan.
• Generous paid time off, paid parental and caregiver leave, and an employee assistance program for work/life balance.
• Optional legal assistance and life insurance options.
• Flexible holidays to honor cultural diversity.