Role Description
We are seeking a driven General Assignment Reporter (Courts & Crime Focus) to join the California Post team. Reporting to the Deputy News Editor, this reporter will react quickly to major breaking news across the San Francisco Bay Area while focusing closely on courts, crime, and public safety. This role requires flexibility, sharp instincts, and a high-velocity reporting style—whether you’re responding to an urgent spot news event, covering a high-profile trial, or breaking down a rapidly developing regional story. You will be on the front lines of one of the nation’s most dynamic news environments, turning fast-moving events into clear, authoritative reporting.
-
Cover real-time general assignment and breaking news across the San Francisco Bay Area with speed, accuracy, and urgency for the California Post.
-
Anchor coverage on major criminal and civil court cases, law enforcement agency accountability, and public safety issues impacting the region.
-
Pivot seamlessly between broad general assignment reporting, spot news, public safety incidents, and regional enterprise assignments as stories unfold.
-
Spot local stories with viral potential or national resonance and deliver exclusive angles before the competition.
-
Cultivate strong relationships across law enforcement, legal communities, municipal agencies, emergency services, and local neighborhoods.
-
File rapid updates across web, mobile, social media, and video platforms, continuously updating developing stories in real time.
-
Actively monitor police blotters, court filings, public records, and social feeds to spot scoops and emerging trends.
-
Travel regularly across the Bay Area to cover breaking news scenes, courthouses, hearings, trials, and major verdict announcements in person.
Qualifications
-
Several years of experience reporting for a fast-paced digital or print newsroom, with a background in general assignment, breaking news, or public safety beats.
-
Superior news judgment with a proven ability to write fast, clean, and compelling copy on tight deadlines while managing multiple assignments.
-
Solid understanding of legal documents, court filings, and police operations, with the ability to translate complex legal jargon into clear, accessible prose.
-
A relentless approach to newsgathering and a track record of building trusted sources across public safety and municipal agencies.
-
Proficiency with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress), SEO best practices, and social media distribution tools.
-
Comfort presenting short-form video updates or discussing stories on camera for digital platforms.
-
A desire to be first and best on major breaking stories while maintaining the highest standards of journalistic integrity and accuracy.
Requirements
-
Spanish or secondary language fluency.
-
An established social media presence or professional digital following.
Benefits
-
Base Pay Range: $90,000 - $125,000.
-
Comprehensive and competitive benefits package covering health, retirement, wellbeing, and more.
-
Optional benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees.