What are the responsibilities and job description for the Freelance Investigative Reporter position at Maine Times?
MAINE TIMES — Seeking Investigative Journalists
Maine Times is an independent print and digital publication committed to producing journalism that informs, examines, and endures. As we expand our statewide presence, we are seeking experienced investigative reporters to pursue public-interest stories that demand depth, discipline, and rigor.
We believe the role of journalism is not to amplify noise, but to reveal structure — the systems behind policy, the power behind silence, and the people left in the margins. While our newsroom will cover the full breadth of public life in Maine — including education, governance, housing, land use, culture, and the environment — investigative reporting remains foundational to our mission.
This is an opportunity to help shape a newsroom from the ground up: one that values clarity over speed, verification over virality, and the written record over the passing moment. We are looking for journalists who understand the long arc of a story — and who are prepared to follow it.
This position is freelance, with the possibility of evolving into a more permanent role as the publication grows.
Ideal candidates will bring:
- A portfolio of investigative or accountability reporting with documented impact
- Experience with FOIA, Maine’s Freedom of Access Act, or comparable records systems
- A methodical approach to sourcing, documentation, and narrative structure
- Familiarity with legal and ethical standards in investigative work
- A strong understanding of Maine’s policy, institutional, or environmental landscape is preferred, but not required
What we offer:
- Paid freelance assignments with competitive rates
- A statewide print platform supported by digital and podcast distribution
- Editorial and legal support for high-impact public interest stories
- An independent newsroom, unaffiliated with legacy ownership or corporate constraints
- A mission-driven culture with the potential for future staff opportunities
Maine Times is preparing for broad distribution across more than 250 retail locations in Maine. We are independently owned and operate without obligation to advertisers, shareholders, or political stakeholders. Our allegiance is to the public — and to the truth.
We are also reviewing applications for additional roles, including general assignment reporting, visual journalism, podcast production, and advertising. We welcome inquiries from professionals across disciplines who share our commitment to quality and public service.
This job listing was prepared with the assistance of AI. Maine Times does not permit AI-generated content in its journalism.Every story we publish is reported, written, and reviewed by human journalists. At Maine Times, the truth still has a byline.
To apply, please send a résumé, relevant clips, or story proposals to: jobs@mainetimes.com
Website: www.mainetimes.com (under development)
Maine Times is published by Maine Times, LLC, a Delaware-registered company operating independently.
Job Type: Freelance
Pay: $42,685.00 - $48,948.00 per year
Schedule:
- On call
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Required)
Work Location: Remote
Salary : $42,685 - $48,948
