Politics Reporter
CalMatters
full-time
Posted on:
Location Type: Remote
Location: California • United States
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Salary
💰 $75,000 - $95,000 per year
About the role
- Produce accountability journalism that examines whether lawmakers deliver on their promises, how they spend campaign money and who influences their decisions
- Write enterprise stories that go beyond daily coverage to explore political dynamics, power relationships, and policy impact on communities across California
- Collaborate with reporters across beats (education, environment, immigration, health, criminal justice, technology) on stories that require multiple perspectives
- Use our Digital Democracy database — a cutting-edge tool that provides AI-generated tip sheets and data insights — to find exclusive stories other outlets miss
- Translate complex government processes and policy debates into clear, accessible stories for our diverse California audience
- Report for multiple platforms including our website, newsletters, radio and television
Requirements
- Several years of experience reporting on politics and policy, preferably covering California
- Proven ability to develop sources, including inside legislative offices, state agencies, advocacy groups and lobbying firms
- A track record of accountability reporting and/or investigative work
- A collaborative approach to working with editors and colleagues on enterprise projects
- Time management skills to balance daily reporting with distinctive longer-term investigations
- Comfort with data analysis and public records requests (experience with campaign finance reporting, Form 700s, or similar financial disclosure is a plus)
Benefits
- Medical, dental and vision insurance — we cover 95% of the cost for employees and dependents
- Paid family leave program
- 401(k) matching of up to 4% of your salary
- Life insurance at no cost
Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
accountability journalisminvestigative reportingdata analysiscampaign finance reportingpublic records requestswriting enterprise storiesreporting on politicsreporting on policy
Soft Skills
collaborationtime managementdeveloping sourcesclear communication