[Hiring] AI-Assisted Reporter @USA TODAY Co.

Role Description

USA TODAY NETWORK is seeking an AI-Assisted Reporter to support TODAY Californian coverage with fast, accurate, high-volume journalism. This role is built for a reporter who can turn a wide range of source material into useful, publishable coverage for readers across California.

This is not a traditional beat role. You will use approved AI tools and newsroom workflows to accelerate production, identify coverage opportunities, and help turn timely information into strong journalism. At USA TODAY Co., AI serves journalism — never the other way around.

What you’ll do:

• Produce and publish high-quality California coverage using AI-assisted workflows.
• Convert source material such as advisories, public information, data, press materials, and other structured inputs into articles, explainers, summaries, and service pieces.
• Adapt stories for different audience needs, including shorter versions, “what to know” formats, local-to-state framing, and state-to-local framing.
• Verify facts, names, dates, locations, and claims; conduct interviews or additional reporting when needed.
• Work with editors and cross-functional partners to keep coverage accurate, timely, and reader-focused.
• Help improve and document repeatable workflows that can be reused across the newsroom.

Qualifications

• Newsroom experience producing accurate journalism under deadline pressure.
• Comfort working independently and managing a steady production workload.
• Strong verification instincts and accountability for published work.
• Experience with service journalism, local news, or high-volume digital production.
• Comfort using public data, search tools, and CMS workflows.
• Experience adapting stories for different formats and audience needs.

Requirements

• Your resume – one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
• Samples of your work.

Benefits

• The hourly rate for this role will range between $24.04 and $28.85.
• Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications, and experience.