Growth and Development Reporter, The Austin Current

Job Description

The Austin Current, a new community newsroom launching in 2025 and supported by The Texas Tribune, is hiring its inaugural Growth and Development Reporter.

xIf there’s a common complaint across the Austin area, it’s that growth is outpacing the region’s ability to support it. The Growth and Development Reporter will focus on exactly these issues, highlighting how rapid development affects daily life and how officials, community members and others are working toward solutions.

This reporter’s coverage will include — but not be limited to — transportation, housing and economic issues. They will be expected to pursue big-picture stories that not only document the challenges of Austin’s growth but also examine the solutions being proposed and tested. The right candidate will think expansively about regional coverage, asking how Austin and its neighboring communities are working collectively to address the strain caused by massive growth.

The ideal candidate will thrive on writing breaking news, enterprise stories and explanatory guides, while also embracing well-told, beautifully illustrated features and multimedia storytelling to reach diverse audiences. They will be excited to experiment with new forms of journalism and to think creatively about how best to connect with communities across the Austin region.

A successful candidate will connect the dots between Austin's rapid growth and other critically pressing issues, including affordability, climate resilience, equity and quality of life. Collaboration is essential: This reporter must work closely with colleagues across the newsroom and with journalists in other newsrooms to maximize reach, impact and service to the community.

The Growth and Development Reporter reports to the Austin community newsroom Editor-in-Chief. The salary for this position will depend on experience. The minimum is $60,000.

Responsibilities

• Identify and pitch breaking news, enterprise stories, features and explanatory guides about growth and its impact on the Austin area.
• Cover issues such as transportation, housing, economic development and infrastructure through the lens of everyday residents.
• Cover growth issues with an eye toward regional collaboration and solutions across city and county lines.
• Write and update stories on the news of the day with accuracy and urgency.
• Break down complicated policies and explain them in clear, accessible ways.
• Analyze and incorporate data into reporting to reveal trends and insights.
• Embrace innovative storytelling formats, including short-form video, guides, data visualizations and explainers.
• Use social media both as a reporting tool to build sourcing and as a publishing tool to connect with diverse audiences.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom and with journalists in other news organizations.
• Moderate panel discussions and represent the newsroom at public events.
• As an authority on Austin growth and development, represent the newsroom and discuss your work with media partners, including on-air television and radio and podcast appearances.
• Be available for occasional work on nights, weekends and holidays as news demands.

Qualifications

• At least three years of journalism experience
• Demonstrated experience breaking down complicated government policies, growth and demographic trends, and local development issues into clear, accessible reporting
• A knack for building a source network that gives you an edge as a beat reporter
• A track record of producing accountability stories that have led to discernible change and shaped reforms
• Terrific news judgment and breaking news skills
• Demonstrated ability to work well under tight deadlines
• Impeccable reporting, fact-checking and writing skills
• Familiarity with journalistic ethics and libel law
• Embraces collaboration with colleagues and partners
• Experience working with data and spreadsheets is preferred.
• Spanish language proficiency is preferred.

We know some great candidates won’t check all of these boxes, and we know some might have important skills we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Location

This role will be based out of The Texas Tribune office in downtown Austin.

Benefits

This job is full-time and has the following benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• A cellphone stipend
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave,, plus four weeks of additional job protection
• 401(k) matching
• Support for professional training and attending industry conferences
• Remote work flexibility

How to Apply

Submit your application here by Nov. 2. Along with a résumé and cover letter, please submit a memo detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.

The Texas Tribune is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

About The Austin Current

The Austin Current is a community newsroom, supported by The Texas Tribune, that is built to keep pace with Austin’s explosive growth. 

We deliver clear, fact-based reporting that helps residents understand how local government and other power structures shape their lives. We dig deep to explain key issues, fill in missing context, and connect the dots behind big decisions. And we equip Austinites with the knowledge and tools they need to engage responsibly, influence the process, and help shape the future of our city.

The Current delivers fearless, nuanced reporting that holds powerful institutions accountable and shows their impact on people’s lives. Our coverage will range from daily stories and breaking news to in-depth investigations, explainers, and voter guides. We will listen closely to our audience, innovate in how we tell stories, and ensure our journalism is accessible, relevant, and impossible to ignore.

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