Job Description:

The Kansas City Star is looking for a high-energy, self-starting and competitive reporter to cover a law enforcement accountability beat across the Kansas City area. 

The reporter will be tasked with covering police departments, sheriff’s offices, prosecutors, jails, courts and other criminal justice institutions with a focus on public service and investigation across five counties. 

They will explore news stories that go beyond police press releases and news conferences, fact-checking official claims to hold law enforcement accountable. They’ll find the issues and stories that matter to our readers. 

We know the best accountability journalism on this beat starts with people in our community, with their stories of being affected by law enforcement and with their concerns. The successful reporter will be in touch with neighborhood leaders, residents, advocates and others with public perspectives on the legal system. 

The need for law enforcement accountability in the Kansas City area has never been greater. 

In recent years, our reporting has highlighted the dangers of high-speed police pursuits, identifying one local police department that chases more than any other - resulting in the deaths of numerous innocent bystanders. 

Our work uncovering racism in the metro’s largest police and fire departments has prompted city action and led to two separate - and still ongoing -  investigations by the U.S. Department of Justice. And our coverage of the death penalty in Missouri has examined the innocence claims of people being executed by the state. 

The ideal candidate will know how to juggle quick-turn and longer-term investigations, follow up on breaking news, build sourcing in institutions and navigate public records. 

They will have the opportunity to join a team of experienced journalists dedicated to watching out for our community. 

What you’ll bring:

• One to three years of reporting experience, ideally in criminal justice reporting
• Strong news judgment and a desire to be first on important stories
• Strong writing skills
• Organizational skills and an ability to manage multiple projects while producing regular news stories
• An understanding of public records law
• A commitment to ethical journalism, with sensitivity in handling difficult subjects  
• Passion for uncovering stories that hold institutions accountable and empower communities
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and tools for reporting and analysis
• Competency in and curiosity about how metrics, analytics and an understanding of SEO and other audience optimization tactics can help stories connect with more local readers.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including empathy and the ability to take and give constructive criticism
• Humility, a willingness to ask questions, receive constructive feedback, seek support, try new things and always keep learning

What we'll bring:

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include health care coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends.  

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com.

To apply, include a persuasive cover letter, your resume and four to six examples of your best work.

About McClatchy:

Our impact is growing every day. 30 growing markets. Over 65 million monthly readers. 57 Pulitzer Prizes. A strong portfolio of dynamic partnerships and smart investments. Our award-winning journalism, digital reach, and commitment to innovative growth have never been stronger. 

As a member of the McClatchy family, you are part of a flexible, empowering, and exciting culture dedicated to creating a work/life balance and consistent opportunities for growth—a place where you have a voice and the ability to impact our future. It’s an exciting time to be here. Our company is experiencing the most transformative period in its history. We’re growing rapidly in the digital space and delivering award-winning journalism in innovative ways.

#LI-RB1

recblid wpl6ya1yjmf9devr7wv7tl92bmdove

Apply Now