National Investigative Reporter, USA TODAY

National Investigative Reporter, USA TODAY

Job Summary: We are seeking a dynamic and seasoned journalist to join our team as a National Investigative reporter at USA TODAY. We want someone who is curious and resourceful, whose notebook brims with story ideas in various stages of vetting and development, and who thrives on getting information and who believes that we are here to serve USA TODAY's unique and expansive audience.

Our ideal candidate is not afraid to ask tough questions, to research case law to appeal public records denials or to comb through reams of documents and data to get answers to questions.

We value investigative work that demonstrates accuracy, a keen sense of fairness and an understanding of how to build stories around real people and real impact. We see our team as one that delivers essential information to the communities we serve.

This role is pivotal in driving our most ambitious journalism projects, focusing on delivering groundbreaking stories that resonate with a wide and diverse audience. We want to experiment with story formats and delivery to find a home at people's fingertips. We're an I-team for Main Street.

You should be able to point to clips that show these qualities. For example, here is some of the work our team has published over the past two years:

The rape kit backlog: USA TODAY's investigation (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2024/09/19/rape-kit-backlog-usa-today-investigation/74966804007/)

A $2B NHL team seized control of youth hockey. Parents are fed up.

(https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2025/08/01/nhl-dallas-stars-texas-youth-hockey-monopoly/84289184007/)

Abrego Garcia's streets defined man at center of immigration debate

(https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2025/05/04/abrego-garcia-past-el-salvador-immigration-debate/83146826007/)

Motocross is the deadliest sport for kids, investigation finds

(https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/investigations/2025/12/04/motocross-death-kids-teens-deadliest-sport/87379050007/)

You should also be comfortable breaking stories quickly when needed and writing short-and-mid-sized projects in addition to developing longer-term investigative pieces. We're always looking for that homerun, but we've got to hit singles, doubles and triples, too.

Our investigative team is based across the country.

This position can be based at our headquarters in Washington D.C., New York or one of our local newsrooms or remotely under the right circumstances in all states except Alaska, Hawaii or Wyoming.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive, report, and write original investigative and enterprise stories, from fast-turn accountability pieces to long-term projects.
• Develop and maintain robust source networks, including whistleblowers, experts, public officials, and impacted communities.
• Aggressively pursue public records, data, and documents at the local, state, and federal levels, using them to uncover patterns and reveal systemic failures.
• Collaborate closely with editors, data reporters, visual journalists, and video teams to produce multimedia investigations.
• Focus investigative techniques to quickly expose accountability angles on big breaking news stories.
• Work across the USA TODAY Network, partnering with local newsrooms on regional and national investigations.
• Apply strong news judgment to determine whether stories should publish digitally, in print, or as part of a larger series.
• Incorporate audience insights and metrics to ensure investigations reach and engage the widest possible audience.
• Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, fairness, ethics, and legal rigor.
• Mentor and collaborate with colleagues, contributing to a culture of investigative excellence.

• Bachelor's or master's degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least five years of experience as a reporter for a daily news media organization, including a proven track record of compelling enterprise and/or investigative work.
• Knack for making complex stories relatable on digital, print and social media platforms.
• Deep understanding of how to use records and data in the service of strong storytelling.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism.
• Organizational ability to pursue short-term and long-term reporting efforts simultaneously.
• Ability to multitask and excel under deadline pressure.
• Able to work collaboratively and efficiently.
• Eagerness to brainstorm ideas with a team and execute on newsroom strategies.
• This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

1. Your resume - one to two pages.
2. A cover letter describing why this is a logical next step in your career.
3. Links to 3-6 samples of your work (please provide copies of any paywalled work you include). Show us what you've produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.