We want this to be your best job ever in the “Last Best Place.” The Daily Montanan does the kind of work you probably don’t think exists anymore — covering a state and helping to envision your own stories without the fear of some corporate directive to do otherwise. We want someone who is fearless in talking with the people who make consequential decisions and then telling our readers what that means. We pride ourselves on being a journalist-led organization serving people across Big Sky Country.

Montana is home to characters, unbelievable beauty and diversity that ranges from our Native cultures to the changing complexion of the U.S. West as it deals with climate disruption and political tension.

We are looking for a reporter who wants to lead our coverage of the Legislature and issues in the capital city of Helena. This person will join our small-but-mighty team of three other journalists who cover statewide issues, focusing on politics, government and the courts. We do the important work of informing the Treasure State residents about issues that affect their lives and helping those people get behind the stories, explaining the “how” and “why” of events. That means we need someone who isn’t afraid to get the news out in a brief, or knows when a story needs more depth. Our ideal candidate would have several years of professional journalism experience, but we’re willing to take a look at people with lesser experience that can demonstrate hustle and ability to manage a number of different issues.

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Daily Montanan is looking for a Helena-based journalist. The ideal candidate for this position will have experience that demonstrates versatility, plus an eye for telling a good story, even where one wasn’t expected. We want someone who doesn’t mind getting out and seeing the state, but also loves haunting the halls of the Capitol, looking for the right source.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Montana government and officials
• Contribute regularly to outlet’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor in chief
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and to share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content, presence and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories

QUALIFICATIONS and compensation

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (student journalism counts), sound news judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID within 30 days of hire.

The minimum salary for this position is $52,000 and rises depending on experience. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum healthcare for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of personal leave per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of parental leave
• Full-service EAP
• Annual DeleteMe subscription

Laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom.

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but we also aim to be supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive.

We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat. States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission.

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice committee.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume with three professional references and at least five links or clips to [email protected]. Applications will reviewed as they arrive.