News Reporter
rye recordRye (NY)
About the role
Location: Rye, N.Y. (Westchester County)
Position Type: Full-Time
Experience: 2 to 3+ years of reporting experience preferred
About the Role:
The Rye Record is looking for a dedicated, community-driven News Reporter to lead our local coverage of the City of Rye. As our full-time reporter, you will serve as the eyes and ears of the community. Your reporting will span city government – including the City Council and Planning Commission – as well as local law enforcement, our school districts, and the pulse of everyday life in Rye. You will build deep roots by talking face-to-face with city officials, business owners, and residents to uncover the stories that matter most, develop trusted sources, and break news as it unfolds. While our award-winning print edition is published biweekly, our digital presence operates at the speed of today's news cycle. You will balance deep-dive community features and enterprise stories with fast-moving, real-time digital reporting.
Why Join Us?
Award-Winning Newsroom: The Rye Record was proud to be named 2025 Non-Daily Newspaper of the Year at the New York Press Association Better Newspaper Contest awards. Come work with a winning team dedicated to high-impact, old-school local journalism. True Community Impact: Your byline will directly shape local civic discourse, holding leaders accountable and celebrating the people and traditions that make Rye unique. Editorial Autonomy: Enjoy the freedom to pitch stories, drive enterprise coverage, and make your mark across both print and digital platforms.
Key Responsibilities:
Beat Reporting: Cover regular and special meetings of the City Council, Planning Commission, Board of Education, and local municipal boards. Enterprise and Feature Writing: Cultivate sources among city officials, police leadership, educators, and community members to break news and write compelling human-interest features and enterprise stories. Multi-Platform Publishing: File timely reports for our digital platforms as news breaks, while producing polished, deeply reported long-form pieces for our biweekly print editions. Community Engagement: Cover community events, public hearings, and local gatherings in person, remaining visible and accessible to Rye residents.
Qualifications & Requirements
Experience:
Minimum of 2 to 3 years of professional reporting experience preferred (local community journalism or municipal beat experience strongly preferred).Location and Logistics: Must live in or near Westchester County, N.Y., and have access to a car for local travel and meetings.
Skills:
Excellent news judgment, speed and accuracy on deadline, strong interviewing skills, and a fundamental understanding of local government.
How to Apply:
Ready to join an award-winning local news team? Please email your resume, a compelling cover letter, and 3 to 4 of your best reporting clips to Editor-in-Chief Jon Elsen at jonelsen@ryerecord.com. The Rye Record is an equal opportunity employer.
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