Do you want to shine a light on the daily decisions of councils, to ensure politicians keep their promises and to break essential stories about public interest issues?
DublinLive is seeking a passionate Local Democracy Reporter to help enhance citizens’ understanding of local public affairs and to live and breathe the decisions being made by Dublin City Council.
In this vital role, you will champion independent, high-quality journalism that is accurate, fair, and accessible—delivered in both English and Irish.
This role is part of an exciting Coimisiún na Meán scheme that champions the creation of digestible public interest journalism that is appropriately diverse, accessible, inclusive and representative of contemporary Ireland. You’ll play a key part in fostering collaboration across local media platforms and supporting a robust sector for both publishers and journalists.
If you’re a politically-minded reporter, ready to stalk the corridors of power in Dublin, searching for brilliant and engaging stories for our audience then this is the position for you!
This is a fixed term contract role, initially for 12 months, starting ASAP.
This role is home and hub based linked to our Dublin Hub. Therefore you must be based in and around Dublin to be considered.
About us
Hello, we’re Reach. Every day, our trusted news, stories and content connect with millions of people where they live - whether that’s on their social feed or at their neighbourhood newsstand; through their local community or their take on the hot topic of the day.
We're home to more than 120 trusted brands - from household names like the Mirror, Express, Daily Star and Daily Record, to local titles like MyLondon, BelfastLive, and the Manchester Evening News, and brands making a splash in the US like the Irish Star.
It's our ability to understand people and the things that matter to them that makes us the UK and Ireland's largest commercial news publisher. We reach 70% of the UK's online population and speak to over 100 million social followers around the world. And we’re just getting started…
Your story, with Reach
As a modern media organisation, we're much more than just news. And it takes a wide range of people and skills to serve diverse audiences, customers and communities like we do.
We know everyone has their own story to tell, so we’ve built an environment where every background is respected and every day is a day to explore.
We’ll help you build a career that works with your life, while giving you the space to create and grow
What will the role involve?
You will investigate and cover the key business of Dublin City Council and how these activities and decisions affect the local community
You will review publications and records to identify local democracy issues that may be of public interest
You will attend regular council meetings and ensure your coverage is comprehensive and published in a timely manner
You will build contacts, understand and explore the key issues of your patch, write features and break exclusives
Who are we looking for?
You are a qualified (journalism degree or relevant time served experience) journalist with proven experience sourcing and publishing local news content for a similar regional or national news brand
Previous experience reporting on local government/councils is desirable
You have excellent local knowledge of your patch
You have the ability to pull the stories out of the local council meetings that matter to our readers
A good knowledge of social media and how you can use it to drive audience and engagement from the people in your area is an advantage
You’re passionate about local government and understand the importance of delivering trusted, accurate and impartial stories to our communities
How we'll look after you
We take good care of our people - and that means more than just a pay packet. Whatever your role, you'll get a range of benefits, including:
25 days' holiday (plus bank holidays), as well as an extra day after you've been with us for three, five and 10 years. We also have a scheme to help you buy extra holiday if you want to.
An extra day's paid leave each year to volunteer for a cause close to your community or your heart.
Big moment day - an extra day’s paid leave for a moment that matters to you - like getting married, moving house or welcoming a new addition to the family (human or furry!)
Bonus scheme - you'll get a stake in our success and a chance to add to your annual earnings.
Help saving for your retirement - we'll match your company pension contributions up to 6% and you can contribute through salary sacrifice.
Supportive and progressive people policies - we’re proud to have a range of policies to support people in their lives in and outside work, including enhanced family leave and policies to promote flexibility, inclusion and progression. We believe you shouldn’t have to wait to join us to know what to expect from us, which is why we share this overview of the policies we have in place to support families and carers. If there's something you want to understand more about, just ask - it won’t make a difference to your application.
A healthcare cash plan - giving you money back for a range of medical expenses and fast access to doctor's appointments.
Car lease scheme - you can buy a brand new electric or hybrid car through our leasing partner, and pay for it through salary sacrifice.
Wellbeing support - including a 24/7 assistance programme for you and your family.
Access to lots of discounts - including 15% off with Reach's very own online marketplace, Yimbly, where you can buy everything from homewares to beauty products.
Interest-free loans - including for season tickets and technology.
Additional Information
Reach plc believes diversity brings benefits for our customers, our business and our people. This is why we are committed to being an inclusive employer and encourage applications from all suitable applicants irrespective of background, circumstances, age, disability, gender identity, ethnicity, religion or belief and sexual orientation.
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