Growth and Development Reporter (UNION)

The Patriot Ledger, patriotledger.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is seeking a curious, self-starting, and digitally savvy journalist to be our growth and development reporter covering the South Shore of Massachusetts.

This reporter will focus on commercial and residential development issues as well as the real estate market. They will be asked to look at housing, redevelopment, new and existing businesses, permitting, and zoning in a way that engages our audience.

You'll use your curiosity to unearth interesting stories behind a seemingly routine zoning or planning board agenda item.

This job requires an understanding of social media platforms, Google Trends, audience metrics and SEO; quick, tight, lively writing; and a competitive mindset.

This reporter is also expected to have the range to handle breaking news, as well as general assignment and in-depth, data-driven enterprise reporting. Our newsroom is virtual, but our journalism is local - this role requires actively reporting from your community.

The South Shore region of Massachusetts runs from the large towns and cities of Quincy, Braintree and Weymouth to suburban bedroom communities to beach and fishing towns.

Responsibilities:

• Research, report and produce accurate, compelling content that informs and engages readers.
• Be passionate about news, developing a beat and becoming a local authority on development.
• Capitalize on live, breaking and trending moments by creating quick-turn-around content
• Use sites such as Google Trends to mine story ideas
• Produce content in alternative forms such as video
• Be flexible to assist in coverage of breaking news and other events.

Requirements:

• Bachelor's or master's in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of professional journalism experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen, motor vehicle record check and background check.

Application Instructions:

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don't limit your upload to a resume; show us what you've done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

• Your resume - one to two pages.
• A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job
• Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.

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The hourly rate for this role will range between $17.60 and $29.08. 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. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.

Client-provided location(s): Flexible / Remote, Waltham, MA

Job ID: utn-89773

Employment Type: OTHER

Posted: 2026-05-30T20:06:29