Charlotte Observer Investigative Reporter

Continuing its deep tradition of investigative reporting, The Charlotte Observer is hiring a journalist for McClatchy’s North Carolina investigations team. 

This Charlotte, NC-based position requires a versatile talent: an excellent reporter and storyteller skilled at using data analysis and public records to build exclusive accountability reporting on local and statewide matters of importance.

At The Charlotte Observer, we pride ourselves on being the preeminent news leader in a highly competitive market. Our distinguished, award-winning content separates us from our peers with impactful, accountability-driven journalism that serves our community. 

More than 150 people move to the Charlotte region daily. This makes it even more urgent for our journalists to focus on watchdog reporting in our local communities and in that role, spotlight problems, highlight solutions and truly make a difference. 

McClatchy’s NC I-team includes journalists based at The Charlotte Observer and the News & Observer in Raleigh. They frequently collaborate on high-impact and revelatory reporting with local and statewide sweep, often with McClatchy graphics artists. Examples of I-team accountability projects include: Hopes Foreclosed, Security for Sale, Private Eyes, Police Payouts, Death on the Job, Power + Secrecy, Burdened After Death and Big Poultry.

What you’ll bring 

The successful candidate will be competitive and collaborative. Someone who moves with urgency and thoughtfulness to produce journalism that serves our readers well. Someone with a track record of holding officials accountable by unearthing the impact of their actions. 

More specifically, the journalist will have: 

• A proven eye for accountability stories relevant to local audiences 
• The ability to juggle quick-turn reporting while working on deeper dives
• Strong storytelling skills
• Experience with data journalism 
• A never-take-no-for-an-answer approach to landing public records
• The ability to constantly build diverse sources on and off the record
• A tested strategy for bulletproof fact-checking
• A growth mindset that includes an embrace of new tools, such as generative AI and machine learning 

Like all journalists at McClatchy, you must work (and play) well with others and have skills to build audience loyalty, engagement and growth through compelling journalism reflective of our audience’s needs and interests.

This role will require a commitment to drawing audience and adapting to the ever-evolving ways that people seek out and interact with our journalism. It will require enthusiastic participation in ongoing conversations about what works and what could work better, and an equally enthusiastic commitment to adapting accordingly. 

Minimum Requirements 

The successful candidate should meet many, though not necessarily all, of the following requirements:

-College degree or equivalent work experience

-Minimum of 5 years of investigative, accountability or high-level beat reporting experience. 

-Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).

What we’ll bring 

The Charlotte region is among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation. 

The area is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, including corporate headquarters for several of the nation’s largest banks. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is among the largest in the country. Charlotte has the largest philanthropic community in the state and four major professional sports organizations.

Our newsroom is located in a vibrant area with a rich cultural heritage, growing arts scene, and an array of unique restaurants and recreational opportunities for young professionals. Whether you’re exploring the nearby hiking trails, mountains and beach