Police and Breaking News Reporter

The Miami Herald is looking for an aggressive and enterprising reporter to cover cops and breaking news in the Magic City, one of the most dynamic news towns in America.

We are looking for a reporter who can beat the competition with both speed and smarts, someone who understands the importance of being first on the big story and knows how to ferret out the details and angles that others cannot. This reporter should have a proven track record of building sources and breaking exclusives. This is a job for those reporters who understand that stories develop on the scene and are eager to be there.

The successful candidate should also bring to the job an enterprising mindset. This job is not only about covering breaking police news quickly and aggressively. Equally important is this reporter’s ability to spot and deliver the trend and accountability stories that so often lie behind the news of the day, be it a deeper dive into a police-involved shooting or crime trends affecting our community.

We’re looking for someone who is excited about working in a bilingual newsroom in one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in the United States. Language skills - Spanish, Portuguese, French/Creole - all add value in South Florida.

What You'll Bring

• Strong reporting, lively writing and excellent news judgment
• Commitment to a digital-first, audience-forward approach of breaking stories quickly, then developing them on the fly
• The ability to juggle quick-turn dailies and short-, mid- and long-range enterprise
• Desire to take an enterprise and watchdog approach to the beat
• Unwavering commitment to accurate, ethical journalism
• An understanding of digital publishing, online metrics and reader engagement, and how to use these tools to elevate engagement
• Openness and enthusiasm for alternative formats and multimedia storytelling
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to take and give constructive criticism, and to work collaboratively with a variety of personalities and teams
• Enthusiasm for learning new skills and technologies, such as AI
  
  

Minimum Requirements

• This is a day shift position that will likely involve one weekend shift
• This position is based in South Florida, with flexibility in working from home and in our Miami newsroom, with the understanding that news is gathered at the scene and not from home or the office
• Proficiency with AP style and a strong command of spelling, grammar and punctuation
• Understanding of and adherence to professional journalism standards for fair and accurate reporting.
• College degree or equivalent experience
• Several years of experience working a beat
  
  

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 healthcare 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.

The Herald strives to attract journalists from a broad array of social, ethnic, and economic backgrounds into our newsroom, including African Americans, Hispanics, other people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. We encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply.

With your application, please include your resume, five samples of your work, and a letter outlining how you would develop sources and rise above the pack with unique, high-interest stories in this position.

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.