What are the responsibilities and job description for the Spotlight on Maryland - Investigative Journalist position at Sinclair Broadcast Group?
Sinclair's Spotlight on Maryland is looking for Investigative Journalists who are comfortable asking elected leaders and government officials smart, thought provoking, and tough questions. Spotlight on Maryland produces high impact and accountability stories for digital, social, print and television. These stories go beyond the basics of general reporting to expose a problem, hold government and elected leaders accountable for their actions and press for a solution. Our goal is to offer audiences on multiple platforms something meaningful that will have an impact on the communities we serve.
The ideal candidate will have strong news judgment, be a compelling and fact-based writer, and be able to multitask. We are looking for someone with a clear understanding of how to dig for a story, research it, write it with a thought-provoking edge. Knowledge of the FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) process, computer-assisted reporting, and data-driven reporting is required along with familiarity of legal issues related to investigative news reporting. Strong writing skills and knowledge of current events is essential. Dynamic storytelling skills are a must.
This is a highly collaborative environment. The ability to work as part of a team is a must.
Essential Duties and Requirements include the following:
- Develop and maintain contacts and sources in the community to enterprise story ideas
- Identify and pitch investigative angles on big daily news stories
- Work closely with local and corporate news leadership to refine investigative pitches and story scripts
- Write online, print and broadcast versions of investigative reports and produce digital specific content for each investigation
- The position is located on-site in Hunt Valley, MD*
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
- Three (3) years of reporting/producing experience preferred
- Bachelor's degree in a related field preferred
- Must be a strong storyteller with the ability to make the complicated understandable
- Must be able to use all available tools to enhance stories, from graphics to social media
- Should be able to generate story ideas and determine the legitimacy of viewer tips
- Strong writer, storyteller
- Must be naturally inquisitive with an interest in holding government officials accountable
Please provide a link to examples of your work.
*This is an in-office role, 5 days a week at our Sinclair Headquarters located at 10706 Beaver Dam Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21030.
The base salary compensation range for this role is $80,000 to $90,000. Final compensation for this role will be determined by various factors such as a candidate's relevant work experience, skills, certifications, and geographic location. Full time positions are eligible for benefits that include participation in a retirement plan, life and disability insurance, health, dental and vision plans, flexible spending accounts, 15 paid vacation days, 2 paid personal days, 9 paid holidays, 40 hours of paid sick leave, parental leave, and employee stock purchase plan.
Salary : $80,000 - $90,000
