Stateline, the nation’s first and most comprehensive outlet covering state policy news, is expanding its footprint and joining States Newsroom, the nation’s largest nonprofit journalism network of state government news outlets.

Stateline reporters have extensive freedom to find and report the best stories on their beats. We’re a collaborative newsroom and seek journalists who are ambitious and eager to stretch themselves, and who believe passionately in our contribution to democracy.

Stateline stories routinely appear in print newspapers and on national news sites, from the Washington Post to the Chicago Tribune to PBS News, as well as on dozens of States Newsroom sites across the country. We’re followed closely by journalists, lawmakers, policymakers, lobbyists and engaged readers.

Our reporters are located in Washington, D.C., and around the country. We’re flexible about where you live and work, but expect you to cover your region in addition to trends on your beat. Reporters routinely travel several times a year for stories. We’re especially interested in coverage of the Midwest, the Deep South, Texas, and the Northeast.

Potential beats we’re interested in filling: health care policy, rural affairs, infrastructure and transportation, economy and labor, housing, criminal justice and social services issues. Do you have a beat you’d like to cover that you don’t see here? Let us know.

Qualifications

We’re looking for reporters with at least two years’ daily news experience as well as some senior reporters with at least 10 years’ experience. A background covering state legislatures is welcome but not necessary; you should have an interest in policy and national trends, the forces shaping those issues and how they’re affecting our nation’s residents. Experience covering national issues and traveling as a reporter is a plus. You should have a proven commitment to coverage that includes and serves diverse voices and communities.

Attributes we want you to have: Time management, independence, flexibility, excellent writing skills, familiarity with public records, accurate and deep reporting skills, source development skills, creative thinking, a positive attitude, and a passion for working collaboratively.

Bilingual candidates and those with investigative and/or data journalism experience are encouraged to apply.

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

Compensation

The minimum salary for this position is $70,000 and rises with experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• Four weeks of vacation per year
• Two weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 7 holidays and 4 floating holidays
• $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

States Newsroom will provide a new laptop and any necessary equipment.

About our Culture

States Newsroom and Stateline are dedicated to producing outstanding nonpartisan journalism that champions democracy – but not at the expense of burning out employees. We are supportive, exciting, welcoming and positive. We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state policy beat.

States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting 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 Stateline and 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.

To apply, send a cover letter, resume with three references, and at least five samples of published work to [email protected] Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.