Reporter – Stanford Rebele Summer Internship
Hearst Health
internship
Posted on:
Location Type: Hybrid
Location: Austin • Texas • United States
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Job Level
About the role
- Report on Travis County Commissioners Court and county agencies, holding officials accountable for decisions that affect about 1.4 million residents.
- Translate budgets, tax rates, policy proposals and public health data into clear, accessible journalism that shows readers why county government matters.
- Develop original coverage that advances the news beyond meeting recaps, with a focus on impact, equity and consequences.
- Center reporting on issues affecting residents most directly, including housing instability, mental health access, disaster recovery and affordability pressures.
- Cultivate a broad network of contacts, including elected officials, county staff, advocates and community members.
- Write breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and enterprise stories on deadline.
- Develop original watchdog and enterprise reporting by mastering county budgets, policy debates and public records.
- Track major issues including public health and housing challenges, property taxes and county budgeting, justice system reform, elections administration, disaster response, and infrastructure modernization.
- Collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects.
- Write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind.
- Maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and auto insurance.
Requirements
- At least one to two years of journalism experience, preferably covering government, public policy or accountability beats
- Current student at Stanford University
- Government reporting experience is strongly preferred but not required
- Demonstrated ability to interpret budgets, policy documents and public records
- Proven skill at cultivating sources and breaking news
- Strong writing skills, with a track record of producing clear, accurate and compelling copy on deadline
- Ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced newsroom
- Commitment to fairness, accuracy and journalistic standards
- Spanish language proficiency is a plus
- Familiarity with Austin or Texas government is a plus but not required
Benefits
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Applicant Tracking System Keywords
Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.
Hard Skills & Tools
journalismgovernment reportingbudget interpretationpolicy analysispublic records researchwritingSEOnews feature writingbreaking news reportingenterprise reporting
Soft Skills
source cultivationdeadline managementcommunicationfairnessaccuracyorganizational skillsadaptabilitycollaborationcritical thinkingengagement