Local News Reporter

Montana Free Press, the state’s fastest-growing nonprofit news organization, has an immediate opening for an ambitious, self-starting local government reporter to cover a dynamic and politically influential community.

The MTFP Local News Reporter, based in Great Falls, Montana, will track and report breaking, daily and enterprise stories in Cascade County with special attention to local government, accountability of elected officials and policy issues that impact the lives and livelihoods of local citizens.

MTFP Local News Reporter is a full-time position. The reporter will cover Cascade County as a beat and contribute as appropriate to MTFP editorial products and initiatives, including newsletters, special projects, collaborations with other media organizations, and MTFP audience engagement events.

This reporter’s focus will be city and county government, but their coverage should go beyond meetings to explain the effect of policy decisions on the community and its citizens. The beat also includes keeping tabs on elections and the local delegation to the state Legislature.

Applicants should be organized and goal-driven and possess excellent writing, research and interpersonal skills and some meaningful reporting experience. A journalism degree is a plus but not required, and recent graduates are encouraged to apply. Your application will stand out if your skill set includes photography, broadcast, or data experience. The ability to work independently and exceptional time-management skills are essential.

MTFP is committed to providing market-competitive salaries and benefits and to newsroom equity. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and individuals with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Applicants should submit a résumé with two professional references, three substantive published clips, and a cover letter to jobs@montanafreepress.org. The application deadline is March 1, 2024.

MTFP is a non-partisan, nonprofit statewide news organization and a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News, Local Independent Online Publishers, Online News Association, Montana Newspaper Association, and Montana Nonprofit Association. Our work is supported by donations from individual members and organizations and institutions that value high-quality, in-depth journalism.