Reporter - Community Insight Jackson

About the role

Jackson Reporter MLive seeks a news reporter to cover government and business development in Jackson County. We are looking for a reporter who can write sharp stories and strong video scripts, produce a TikTok or other social video when the story calls for it, and also dig into longer enterprise work that helps readers understand their community.

This role requires someone who does not rely only on officials or institutions for story ideas, but listens closely to the buzz in the community, and turns that curiosity into useful, trusted journalism.

You’ll be responsible for using social monitoring tools, search trends, public information feeds, meeting agendas and community conversations to stay on top of daily news and identify the questions readers most need answered. The reporter should be able to move quickly from listening to reporting: producing timely updates and explainers, making calls, getting into the community and advancing stories people are already talking about — not simply following the narrative leaders in government, business or other institutions want us to push.

Candidates should also feel comfortable using AI responsibly as a tool to work smarter, surface story ideas, build context and go deeper on important topics.

Why you’ll want to work with us

We are the state’s largest media organization with newspapers in eight of Michigan’s largest cities, including Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor and Kalamazoo. We routinely score No. 1 in national audience metrics, guaranteeing that our work reaches millions of readers and has maximum impact. Our mission is journalism that makes a difference in the lives of Michiganders. “We comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable.”

Our team of journalists are among the best in the state. Most recently, our investigative work on a dangerous pesticide and its connections with Parkinson’s disease has prompted Michigan and other states to pursue a ban. Impact and accountability reporting are at the core of our mission.

We are committed to professional development, and you’ll have the opportunity to work with talented editors who will help you grow and fine-tune your skills.

Responsibilities

• Identify, verify and develop important stories that resonate with everyday residents, including ideas surfaced through reader questions, social conversation, search trends and public records.
• Prioritize accountability and service journalism by filing FOIAs, building a strong and varied source network, asking rigorous questions and explaining how local decisions affect daily life.
• Produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting, including timely updates, explainers, and enterprise stories.
• Appear on camera and produce short, engaging social videos that bring reporting to wider audiences.
• Work at a high tempo, balancing fast, accurate daily updates with enterprise, accountability and explanatory stories that build reader trust and habit.
• Work independently and remotely, as well as in the MLive office.

Requirements

• A degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
• At least one year of professional journalism experience with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting.
• Digital fluency and audience focus, including an understanding of where local residents are talking, what they are asking and how to turn that curiosity into useful, repeatable coverage formats.
• Reliable transportation to meet with sources or cover events.

Pay

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