Join Our Team
Current job openings
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a nonprofit newsroom delivering accountability journalism across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. From development battles and environmental crises to high-stakes political clashes, the Suncoast offers no shortage of stories that directly shape people’s lives.
We’re seeking a reporter dedicated to covering local government and politics with urgency and depth. While others focus on meeting recaps, we focus on power: how decisions are made, who benefits, who gets left out and what it means for everyday people. Strong local journalism is essential to democracy, and we exist to serve the public interest.
About You:
You’re a beat reporter at heart — curious, relentless and energized by being out in the community. You don’t wait for press releases. You show up, build sources, spot patterns and break stories.
You understand where power shows up in local government and how it shapes people’s lives. You know how to ask hard questions, use public records to get answers and make sure the people most affected by decisions are at the center of your reporting. You’re comfortable working at a fast pace, turning timely accountability stories while also pushing longer-term enterprise and investigative work forward.
This is not a desk job. It’s a reporting-forward role that demands strong judgment, stamina and sharp news instincts. You’ll be out in the community, at meetings and on the phone, expected to produce at least two stories a week — some quick-turn, others more ambitious — without losing sight of the bigger picture.
What You’ll Do:
- Report and write two or more stories per week, balancing quick-turn accountability coverage with deeper enterprise pieces
- Cover city, county and regional government across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties
- Regularly attend public meetings to report, source and surface story ideas
- Break stories by cultivating sources within government agencies, advocacy groups, watchdog organizations and impacted communities
- Investigate how public money is spent, how decisions are made and who benefits
- Collaborate with newsroom colleagues and partner outlets on larger investigations
- Engage with the community to identify emerging issues and under-covered stories
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least five years of reporting experience, including at least two years covering local government or politics
- Proven ability to produce accountability journalism with real-world impact
- Strong news judgment and the ability to work at a fast, consistent pace
- Excellent reporting and writing skills, especially on complex topics
- Commitment to inclusive sourcing and community-centered reporting
- Comfort using digital tools, public records and social media to report and share stories
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Data reporting skills and familiarity with tools like Excel, Google Sheets and some coding
- Experience taking and editing photos and video
- Familiarity using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish
Don’t meet our requirements but think you’re still right for the job? Submit an application and tell us why.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $75,000 to $100,000 (depending on your experience and skill set), with a health plan and 401K.
Position Funding/Long-Term Plans:
This position is funded thanks to a grant from the Nancy Jo Marchisello Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant supports the role for one year, with the opportunity to apply for renewals in years two and three. Suncoast Searchlight will actively pursue additional funding to diversify our revenue streams and work toward making this a permanent position.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at — and work frequently from — our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a nonprofit newsroom delivering accountability journalism across Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. From development battles and environmental crises to high-stakes political clashes, the Suncoast offers no shortage of stories that directly shape people’s lives.
We’re seeking a watchdog and investigative reporter who does accountability work in real time. This is not a siloed investigations role. You’ll be part of the newsroom’s regular reporting flow, producing enterprise stories that grow out of daily developments and sustained digging.
About You:
You’re an experienced accountability or investigative reporter who knows how to turn curiosity into published work. You’ve uncovered meaningful stories by staying close to the news, following leads aggressively and reporting your way into deeper findings — whether in a formal investigations role or by relentlessly working a beat.
You’re comfortable rolling up your sleeves. You understand that strong investigative journalism is built through steady reporting and regular publication, not long stretches off the grid. You care about narrative and clarity, and you know how to bring documents, data and lived experience together in ways that resonate with readers.
You balance urgency with depth. You’re expected to produce at least two stories a month — although sometimes you produce more — while continuing to advance longer-term investigations. That means juggling active reporting, writing regularly and collaborating closely with editors and colleagues. This is not a role for someone who wants to disappear for months and emerge with a single piece; it’s for someone who thrives in a small newsroom where accountability work is part of the daily rhythm.
What You’ll Do:
- Find, develop, report and write quick-turn watchdog and enterprise stories, as well as longer investigative pieces, all in service of the public interest.
- Stay engaged in the community by attending public meetings, showing up in person and spending time on the ground to surface story ideas and emerging issues.
- Identify and work evolving “mini-beats” — digging deeply into a topic, agency or issue over time, publishing along the way and mining it for accountability stories
- Collaborate closely with colleagues within Suncoast Searchlight and with partner newsrooms to produce and support in-depth accountability journalism.
- Lead and participate in ongoing journalism training sessions.
- Use public records, data and on-the-ground reporting to uncover complex issues and explain them clearly and compellingly for the public.
Preferred Qualifications:
- At least five years of reporting experience, including at least two years producing watchdog/accountability and/or investigative stories that have made a tangible impact.
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent storytelling skills, with the ability to connect with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.
- Strong news judgment and the ability to work at a fast, consistent pace
- Excellent reporting and writing skills, especially on complex topics
- Commitment to inclusive sourcing and community-centered reporting
- Comfort using digital tools, public records and social media to report and share stories
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Data reporting skills and familiarity with tools like Excel, Google Sheets and some coding
- Experience taking and editing photos and video
- Familiarity using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish
Don’t meet our requirements but think you’re still right for the job? Submit an application and tell us why.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $75,000 to $100,000 (depending on your experience and skill set), with a health plan and 401K.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at — and work frequently from — our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
Previous job openings
About the Opportunity
Suncoast Searchlight, a nonprofit watchdog newsroom dedicated to in-depth journalism in Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties, seeks a dynamic and experienced Development Director to lead and expand its fundraising efforts. This role is crucial in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our mission-driven newsroom, which delivers accountability-focused journalism that informs and empowers our communities.
The Development Director will be responsible for designing and executing a comprehensive development strategy, fostering relationships with donors and grantmakers, and securing resources to support impactful investigative and enterprise reporting. The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker with a passion for nonprofit journalism, strong fundraising expertise, and a deep commitment to public service.
About the Position
The Development Director is a key leadership role reporting directly to the Executive Editor-in-Chief. This individual will oversee all fundraising activities, including major gifts, foundation grants, corporate partnerships, and individual donor programs. The Development Director will work closely with the newsroom leadership and Board of Directors to cultivate support for Suncoast Searchlight’s mission.
Duties & Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement a strategic fundraising plan to increase philanthropic support and diversify revenue streams.
- Identify, cultivate, and steward relationships with major donors, foundations, and corporate sponsors.
- Oversee grant research, writing, and reporting to ensure compliance and alignment with funding priorities.
- Plan and execute fundraising campaigns, annual giving appeals, and special events.
- Manage donor recognition, stewardship, and engagement activities.
Leadership & Collaboration
- Work closely with the Executive Editor-in-Chief and Board of Directors to drive fundraising initiatives.
- Provide strategic guidance on fundraising priorities and opportunities.
- Collaborate with editorial and engagement teams to align fundraising with newsroom impact and audience outreach.
- Oversee donor database management, ensuring accurate tracking and reporting of contributions.
Community & Partner Engagement
- Represent Suncoast Searchlight at community events, industry conferences, and donor meetings.
- Build partnerships with local and national organizations to enhance fundraising opportunities.
- Develop compelling storytelling materials that communicate the newsroom’s impact to funders and stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in nonprofit development, fundraising, or a related field.
- Track record of securing major gifts, grants, and corporate sponsorships.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to craft compelling donor messaging.
- Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail.
- Experience with donor management software and fundraising technology.
- Passion for journalism, press freedom, and public-interest reporting.
- Knowledge of Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties’ philanthropic landscape is a plus.
Compensation & Benefits
- Salary range: $125,000-$150,000, based on experience.
- Comprehensive benefits, including health insurance and paid time off.
- Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Meaningful work that directly supports investigative journalism and community impact.
Application Process
To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume detailing your experience and interest in the role to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a new nonprofit newsroom dedicated to delivering in-depth, accountability journalism to Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Located along southwest Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast, the Suncoast region boasts some of the nation’s best beaches and a wealth of investigative opportunities – from unchecked development and environmental crises to political clashes that make national headlines.
These are issues that demand impactful journalism at a time when traditional newsrooms’ resources are dwindling. We believe our democracy depends on the watchful eye of a robust fourth estate, which is why we were created. Our mission is to serve the public interest by investigating critical issues, exposing wrongdoing and holding power to account through compelling stories produced both independently and in collaboration with our media partners.
We are assembling a team of watchdog and investigative journalists able to deliver depth – not by generating daily headlines but by strategically focusing our resources where they’re needed most. We will do this in partnership with local print, television and radio newsrooms, teaming up with them whenever possible to maximize reporting power and reach the widest possible audience.
About You:
You are an investigative/watchdog journalist with a knack for wrangling and analyzing data. Nothing excites you more than figuring out how to pry data from websites or PDFs, slice it and dice it in Python or R and find the story behind the numbers. You have a proven track record of using data to produce original, impactful work that uncovers hidden truths and shines a light on issues of public concern.
As much as you love data, though, you also enjoy the other aspects of the job – talking to sources, fighting for public records and digging into documents. You understand the value of compelling narratives and how to bring to life the data and documents you find. And you relish solid input from editors and peers who have your back and want your work to shine.
You also know how to balance urgency with depth. You’re comfortable writing quick-turn accountability stories and enterprise pieces while also working toward larger investigations. And you enjoy working with others. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
What You’ll Do:
- Serve as the newsroom’s data expert, especially when it comes to scraping websites and working with large data sets (ie., those beyond the limits of Excel).
- Find, develop, report and write quick-turn watchdog and enterprise pieces, as well as longer investigative pieces, all of which serve the public interest.
- Team up with colleagues – from within our newsroom and from our partner newsrooms – to wrangle data and produce and support stories support in-depth, accountability journalism.
- Lead and participate in ongoing journalism training sessions.
- Engage with community members throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties to find untold stories and deepen our understanding of the issues affecting our area.
- Use data, public records, and on-the-ground reporting to uncover and explain complex issues in accessible and engaging ways.
Qualifications:
- At least four years of experience in producing investigative or in-depth stories that have made a tangible impact.
- At least two years of experience using data tools (especially Python and/or R).
- Experience using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau or creating your own visualizations from scratch.
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent storytelling skills, with the ability to connect with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.
- Proven commitment to inclusive reporting in sourcing and coverage.
- Comfort working with readers to source and shape stories.
- Familiarity with using social media tools to share stories and engage with the public.
- Expertise in one or more of these beat areas: government/politics; real estate development; environment/climate; education/higher ed; criminal justice.
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Experience taking and editing photos and video
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $80,000 to $100,000, with a health plan and 401K.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for candidates living just outside these counties. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at – and work frequently from – our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a new nonprofit newsroom dedicated to delivering in-depth, accountability journalism to Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Located along southwest Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast, the Suncoast region boasts some of the nation’s best beaches and a wealth of investigative opportunities — from unchecked development and environmental crises to political clashes that make national headlines.
That’s why we have secured funding for a reporter focused squarely on covering local government and politics. While some media outlets provide meeting coverage and basic policy reporting, we aim to go deeper — explaining how decisions are made, who benefits and how the outcomes affect everyday people, especially in underserved communities. We believe strong local journalism is essential to democracy, and we’re here to serve the public interest through bold, thoughtful accountability-driven storytelling.
About You:
You’re a curious, civic-minded journalist who thrives on demystifying government processes and holding local institutions accountable. You know that budgets, zoning laws, public contracts and campaign finance filings aren’t boring — they’re blueprints for how power is wielded in a community.
You’re eager to dig for the story behind the story, not just report what was said in a meeting. You ask tough questions, seek out impacted voices and use public records to get answers. Whether you’re breaking down a budget or uncovering how political donations shape decisions, you’re always thinking about the impact on the public. And you have the clips to prove it, with a track record of stories that have led to tangible impact — whether it’s an ordinance being revised, a public official held accountable, or taxpayer spending redirected.
You also know how to balance urgency with depth. You’re comfortable writing quick-turn accountability stories and enterprise pieces while also working toward larger investigations. And you enjoy working with others. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
What You’ll Do:
- Find, develop, report and write a mix of short-turn accountability stories and deeper enterprise pieces about local governments across the three-county region.
- Investigate how local governments allocate resources, award contracts and spend taxpayer money — and what that means for the people who live here.
- Attend relevant public meetings to develop sources, gather information and stay on top of emerging issues.
- Cultivate sources across local agencies, watchdog groups, advocacy organizations and impacted communities.
- Contribute to broader newsroom investigations and collaborate with colleagues within our newsroom and with partner newsrooms on cross-beat stories.
- Engage with community members throughout Sarasota, Manatee, and DeSoto counties to identify untold stories and gain a deeper understanding of local issues.
Qualifications:
- At least five years of experience as a reporter — with at least two years of them covering local government or politics — and a proven track record of producing accountability journalism that has made an impact.
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Strong writing and reporting skills, including the ability to distill complicated topics into clear, engaging narratives.
- Proven commitment to inclusive reporting in sourcing and coverage.
- Proficiency with digital tools, data journalism, and engaging with the public to source and shape stories.
- Familiarity with social media tools for sharing stories and engaging with the public.
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Experience covering municipal budgets, campaign finance, development, housing or infrastructure.
- Experience taking and editing photos and videos.
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites.
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish.
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $75,000 to $100,000 (depending on your experience and skill set), with a health plan and 401K.
Position Funding/Long-Term Plans:
This position is funded thanks to a grant from the Nancy Jo Marchisello Charitable Fund at Gulf Coast Community Foundation. The grant supports the role for one year, with the opportunity to apply for renewals in years two and three. Suncoast Searchlight will actively pursue additional funding to diversify our revenue streams and work toward making this a permanent position.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for candidates living just outside these counties. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at – and work frequently from – our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a new nonprofit newsroom dedicated to delivering in-depth, accountability journalism to Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Located along southwest Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast, the Suncoast region boasts some of the nation’s best beaches and a wealth of investigative opportunities – from unchecked development and environmental crises to political clashes that make national headlines.
These are issues that demand impactful journalism at a time when traditional newsrooms’ resources are dwindling. We believe our democracy depends on the watchful eye of a robust fourth estate, which is why we were created. Our mission is to serve the public interest by investigating critical issues, exposing wrongdoing and holding power to account through compelling stories produced both independently and in collaboration with our media partners.
We are assembling a team of watchdog and investigative journalists able to deliver depth – not by generating daily headlines but by strategically focusing our resources where they’re needed most. We will do this in partnership with local print, television and radio newsrooms, teaming up with them whenever possible to maximize reporting power and reach the widest possible audience.
About You:
You are an experienced investigative/watchdog journalist who has leadership experience, either as an editor or a player-coach. Nothing excites you more than latching onto a good story and willing it into existence through tenacious digging and fearless reporting. You have a proven track record of producing original, impactful stories that uncover hidden truths and shine a light on issues of public concern.
You employ a number of skills to do this work, including good, old-fashioned shoe-leather reporting, fighting for public records and diving into data. You also understand the value of compelling narratives and how to bring to life the data and documents you find. And you relish solid input from editors and peers who have your back and want your work to shine.
You know how to balance urgency with depth. You’re comfortable writing quick-turn accountability stories and enterprise pieces while also working toward larger investigations. And you enjoy working with others. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do, and it’s especially important in this role as a newsroom leader. You are comfortable editing stories and leading projects in a professional and collaborative manner.
What You’ll Do:
- Find, develop, report and write some of the newsroom’s most ambitious investigative stories, as well as produce quick-turn watchdog and enterprise pieces that serve the public interest.
- Serve as the deputy editor to assist the executive editor-in-chief with project management and editing duties.
- Team up with colleagues – from within our newsroom and from our partner newsrooms – to produce and support in-depth, accountability journalism.
- Lead and participate in ongoing journalism training sessions.
- Engage with community members throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties to find untold stories and deepen our understanding of the issues affecting our area.
- Use data, public records, and on-the-ground reporting to uncover and explain complex issues in accessible and engaging ways.
Qualifications:
- At least seven years of experience in producing investigative or in-depth stories that have made a tangible impact.
- At least two years of experience editing and leading projects (either as an editor or a player-coach) in a way that builds confidence and trust.
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent storytelling skills, with the ability to connect with the public on both intellectual and emotional levels.
- Proven commitment to inclusive reporting in sourcing and coverage.
- Comfort with digital tools, data journalism, and working with readers to source and shape stories.
- Familiarity with using social media tools to share stories and engage with the public.
- Expertise in one or more of these beat areas: government/politics; real estate development; environment/climate; education/higher ed; criminal justice.
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Experience taking and editing photos and video
- Familiarity using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom.
You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $90,000 to $110,000, with a health plan and 401K.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for candidates living just outside these counties. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at – and work frequently from – our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
About Us:
Suncoast Searchlight is a new nonprofit newsroom dedicated to delivering in-depth, accountability journalism to Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties. Located along southwest Florida’s picturesque Gulf Coast, the Suncoast region boasts some of the nation’s best beaches and a wealth of investigative opportunities – from unchecked development and environmental crises to political clashes that make national headlines.
These are issues that demand impactful journalism at a time when traditional newsrooms’ resources are dwindling. We believe our democracy depends on the watchful eye of a robust fourth estate, which is why we were created. Our mission is to serve the public interest by investigating critical issues, exposing wrongdoing and holding power to account through compelling stories produced both independently and in collaboration with our media partners.
We are assembling a team of watchdog and investigative journalists able to deliver depth – not by generating daily headlines but by strategically focusing our resources where they’re needed most. We will do this in partnership with local print, television and radio newsrooms, teaming up with them whenever possible to maximize reporting power and reach the widest possible audience.
About You:
You are an experienced watchdog/accountability or investigative journalist with a proven track record of producing original, impactful stories that uncover hidden truths and shine a light on issues of public concern. You’ve done this either as a full-time watchdog/accountability or investigative reporter or simply by investigating your beat. Nothing excites you more than latching onto a good story and willing it into existence through tenacious digging and fearless reporting.
You employ a number of skills to do this work, including good, old-fashioned shoe-leather reporting, fighting for public records and diving into data. You also understand the value of compelling narratives and how to bring to life the data and documents you find. And you relish solid input from editors and peers who have your back and want your work to shine.
You know how to balance urgency with depth. You’re comfortable writing quick-turn accountability stories and enterprise pieces while also working toward larger investigations. And you enjoy working with others. Collaboration is at the heart of what we do.
What You’ll Do:
- Find, develop, report and write quick-turn watchdog/accountability and enterprise pieces, as well as longer investigative pieces, all of which serve the public interest.
- Team up with colleagues – from within our newsroom and from our partner newsrooms – to produce and support in-depth, accountability journalism.
- Lead and participate in ongoing journalism training sessions.
- Engage with community members throughout Sarasota, Manatee and DeSoto counties to find untold stories and deepen our understanding of the issues affecting our area.
- Use data, public records, and on-the-ground reporting to uncover and explain complex issues in accessible and engaging ways.
Qualifications:
- At least two years of experience producing watchdog/accountability and/or investigative stories that have made a tangible impact.
- A collaborative spirit and a desire to work in a team-oriented environment.
- Excellent storytelling skills, with the ability to connect with readers on both intellectual and emotional levels.
- Proven commitment to inclusive reporting in sourcing and coverage.
- Comfort with digital tools, data journalism, and working with the public to source and shape stories.
- Familiarity with using social media tools to share stories and engage with the public.
- Expertise in one or more of these beat areas: government/politics; real estate development; environment/climate; education/higher ed; criminal justice.
Nice, But Not Necessary:
- Experience taking and editing photos and video
- Familiarity using data visualization tools like Flourish, Infogram and Tableau
- Comfort with content management systems and posting stories to websites
- Ability to speak a second language, preferably Spanish
Why Join Us?
This is an opportunity to do impactful journalism in a region where this kind of work is urgently needed. As a member of our growing team, you’ll play a critical role in shaping the direction and future of our newsroom. You’ll work with passionate colleagues dedicated to producing top-notch journalism that drives change. You’ll earn between $60,000 to $100,000 (depending on your experience and skill set), with a health plan and 401K.
Hybrid Job:
You must be willing to live in this region (Sarasota, Manatee, DeSoto counties) to cover the community. Exceptions will be made on a case-by-case basis for candidates living just outside these counties. Although some work from home will be permitted, we are a highly collaborative team and will meet at – and work frequently from – our Sarasota-based newsroom.
How to Apply:
Send a resume, cover letter and 3-5 samples of your best work to executive editor-in-chief Emily Le Coz at emily@suncoastsearchlight.org. Work samples can be links to online stories; if they’re behind a paywall, please include PDFs of clips instead. Be sure to include a brief description of each clip and mention any impact from your reporting.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the newly reconstituted Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
Suncoast Searchlight is a project of the Community News Collaborative, a nonprofit, Equal Opportunity Employer that does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, sex, gender, gender identity or expression.
