Athens County Independent Reporter

Athens County Independent (ACI) is a nonprofit digital newsroom that empowers community engagement through accessible public service journalism. The coverage encompasses a variety of topics, with particular emphasis on government accountability, elections, and environmental issues. ACI is a democratically worker-directed nonprofit in which all staff have a voice in and a responsibility for the newsroom’s success, and where everyone is supported, included and valued.

Open Position

Location: Athens, Ohio

Beat: Housing quality, access and affordability in an Appalachian county

Position:

Like many communities nationwide, Athens County has a housing crisis, with factors including aging housing stock, decreasing housing supply, poor code enforcement, inadequate infrastructure and source of income discrimination. This crisis is most acute for the 24% of residents who live in poverty (one of the highest rates in the state), but affects all but the wealthiest members of the community. The housing reporter will investigate the roots and impacts of the problem, as well as covering ways that community institutions are attempting to address it.

Salary and Benefits: $42,000–$45,000 depending on level of experience

The Athens County Independent participates in a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement, which reimburses staff for health insurance premiums and/or other qualified expenses. All staff receive 15 days paid time off and 15 days of sick leave, as well as time off for all federal holidays, World Press Freedom Day — and birthday. The newsroom is closed the week of July 4 and the two weeks from Christmas to New Year's.

Moving Stipend: No.

Skills: Writing, Photography

This position is sponsored in part by Report for America, a national service program that places early career and experienced journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of Report Local, a nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to strengthening local journalism across the U.S. and around the world.