ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Watchdog Jobs (NOW HIRING)

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

gannett

Politics/watchdog/crime Reporter

Saint Cloud, MN

$24.25 - $33/hr

Cloud Times , a USA Today Co. paper, is looking for a politics/watchdog/crime reporter with a passion for discovering stories and finding answers. The candidate should have a bachelor's degree and be ...

gannett

City Government Watchdog Reporter

Asheville, NC · On-site

We're seeking an aggressive, relentlessly curious and persistent watchdog reporter who isn't afraid to dig below the surface and the press releases, to reveal for readers what is really going on, and ...

gannett

City Government Watchdog Reporter

Asheville, NC · On-site

We're seeking an aggressive, relentlessly curious and persistent watchdog reporter who isn't afraid to dig below the surface and the press releases, to reveal for readers what is really going on, and ...

Hearst

Accountability Reporter

Austin, TX

The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data ...

Hearst

Accountability Reporter

Austin, TX

The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data ...

Hearst Newspapers

Accountability Reporter

Austin, TX · On-site

The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data ...

Hearst Newspapers

Accountability Reporter

Austin, TX · On-site

The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data ...

Hearst

Accountability Reporter

Austin, TX

The role combines fast-paced daily coverage with deeper watchdog and enterprise reporting. The successful candidate will have a track record of impactful journalism, strong investigative and data ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsWatchdog Jobs

Watchdog information

See salary details

$41K

$62.9K

$87K

How much do watchdog jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for watchdog in the United States is $62,882.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the typical challenges faced by a Watchdog in ensuring compliance and transparency within an organization?

Watchdogs often encounter challenges such as resistance to oversight, limited access to critical information, and balancing impartiality with organizational relationships. They must remain vigilant in identifying potential ethical breaches or regulatory non-compliance while building trust with stakeholders. Collaboration with legal, audit, and management teams is essential, and successful watchdogs develop strong communication and investigative skills to navigate these complexities effectively.

What is the difference between Watchdog vs Security Guard?

AspectWatchdogSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsOften no formal certification, but some roles may require basic trainingTypically requires security license or certification
Work EnvironmentPrimarily monitors premises, often in a passive roleActive patrols, access control, and incident response
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in various industries, including manufacturing and retailCommon in security firms, retail, events, and corporate settings

While both Watchdogs and Security Guards focus on safety, Watchdogs often perform passive monitoring without active patrols, whereas Security Guards actively patrol and manage access. The roles overlap in security monitoring, but Security Guards typically require formal licensing and perform more hands-on security tasks.

What are watchdogs?

Watchdogs are individuals, groups, or organizations that monitor the activities of companies, governments, or other institutions to ensure transparency, accountability, and compliance with laws and ethical standards. They often investigate and report on issues such as corruption, fraud, or abuse of power. Watchdogs can be non-profit organizations, media outlets, or regulatory bodies, and they play a crucial role in protecting public interest. Their efforts help to uphold integrity and encourage responsible behavior in various sectors.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Watchdog, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Watchdog (in a professional context such as compliance or oversight officer), you need expertise in regulatory frameworks, investigative skills, and a relevant degree in law, finance, or public administration. Familiarity with compliance management systems, auditing tools, and data analysis software is often required. Integrity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills set exceptional watchdogs apart. These competencies ensure effective oversight, uphold ethical standards, and protect organizations from legal or reputational risks.
More about Watchdog jobs
What cities are hiring for Watchdog jobs? Cities with the most Watchdog job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Watchdog jobs? The most popular types of Watchdog jobs are:
What states have the most Watchdog jobs? States with the most job openings for Watchdog jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Watchdog jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Watchdog jobs are:
Watchdog jobs near you
Infographic showing various Watchdog job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $62,882 per year, or $30.2 per hour.
Politics and Watchdog Reporter

Politics and Watchdog Reporter

gannett

Oklahoma City, OK

Other

Posted 4 days ago

Gannett rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 33 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

39th of 65 rated media

Job description

The Oklahoman, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an experienced journalist to bolster our coverage of Oklahoma politics and watchdog and accountability reporting. This reporter will offer readers a lens into the inner-workings of Oklahoma’s government and help lead our campaign coverage ahead of the 2026 elections, with a focus on key statewide races. The reporter will also contribute to our legislative coverage by explaining who stands to benefit from — or be harmed by — legislation making its way through the Capitol.

The reporter's watchdog duties, however, will not be limited to only politics but to any accountability stories we deem worthy of pursuing. We are looking for a reporter who can break news, build sources, obtain and analyze public records and bring to light the stories Oklahomans need to know.

The reporter will file a mix of daily and enterprise stories and experiment with alternative storytelling formats, such as short-form videos.The reporter will contribute to the supportive, team-centric environment that defines The Oklahoman newsroom.

Responsibilities:

  • Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
  • Produces stories that are accurate and publication ready.
  • Adheres to journalistic ethics and the USA Today Style Guide.
  • Is comfortable using online content management systems to file stories with compelling headlines and necessary elements, such as hyperlinks and photo captions.
  • Embraces social media platforms such as TikTok, X, Facebook, Instagram and Reddit to enhance reporting and promote stories.
  • Excels in a fast-paced news environment and knows how to report breaking news for rapid online publication.
  • Captures basic photos and video as needed.
  • Works occasional weekends and nights as needed.
  • Ability to speak Spanish would be a plus.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor's or master’s degree in communications, journalism or related field preferred or equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • At least five years of reporting or equivalent experience, with an emphasis on accountability and watchdog reporting.
  • A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

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:

  1. Your resume – one to two pages.
  2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
  3. 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.

#Newsgnt

#LI-NC1 

What Gannett employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply