Staff Writer (Austin Bureau)

The Dallas Express is looking for an experienced and passionate journalist to cover state politics and the Texas Legislature to produce insightful and nonbiased stories on complex political, cultural and economic issues.

Our commitment is to serve our audience in Dallas and throughout the Lone Star State. We strive to provide our readers with a product that they want, need and feel is theirs. We hold decision-makers accountable for their actions and seek answers to the questions that matter most to our readers. Ultimately, we want to improve the quality of life for every Texas resident by delivering news that is informative, engaging and impactful.

Working in Central Texas, the successful candidate will be expected to produce news stories, features, and analyses regularly on the significant political issues affecting Texans. By emphasizing original journalism through on-the-ground reporting and source cultivation, this role will deliver data-driven exclusives and compelling profiles of key state officials and officeholders.

One day, you'll be covering security on the Texas border. The next, writing about the state's largest economic development opportunity, or traveling around the state to cover issues that resonate with rural Texans — when you're not nosing around the Capitol. This role exists to consistently break news and tell captivating stories in the most significant (and fascinating) state in the country.

This remote position is based in the Austin MSA. The successful candidate must reside in one of the following counties: Bastrop, Caldwell, Hays, Travis or Williamson.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Cover the Texas Legislature, including committee hearings, floor debates and other significant events
Develop and retain a resonant knowledge of the Texas political landscape, including the major players, issues, and trends
Produce a regular stream of high-quality breaking news stories, features, and analyses, including on Texas culture beyond the cloakroom
Work closely with newsroom leadership to identify and develop compelling story ideas and angles when the legislature isn't in session
Conduct in-depth interviews with key political figures, stakeholders, executives and other sources
Use social media and other digital tools to promote your coverage and engage with our readers

QUALIFICATIONS

A minimum of two years of professional journalism experience with a strong track record of producing high-quality, accurate, and insightful reporting on complex political issues
A passion for covering Texas politics and the Texas Legislature, with a deep understanding of the major players, issues, and trends in the state
Strong reporting and writing skills, with the ability to produce clean, concise, and engaging copy on tight deadlines
Demonstrated research and analytical skills, with the capability to quickly and effectively gather and synthesize information from a variety of sources
A strong work ethic and the ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced and deadline-driven environment
A commitment to accuracy, fairness and journalistic ethics
Experience with multimedia journalism, including video, audio, and social media, is a plus

The Dallas Express offers a competitive salary, complete benefits package and the opportunity to work with talented journalists who are passionate about producing high-quality and impactful journalism on the issues that matter most to Texans.

If you are an experienced reporter with a passion for politics and a commitment to producing high-quality journalism, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your resume, a brief cover letter and five of your stories that best show your range with breaking news, profiles and longform.

SALARY RANGE
$68,000 to $84,000