Senior Statehouse Reporter

State Affairs, a national, digital news site reporting on state legislatures around the country, is in search of an experienced journalist to cover critical news and policy coming out of the state capital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

About the position

We seek a full-time journalist with significant reporting and writing experience who can produce well-thought out dailies and enterprise stories on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. This journalist is also able to turn around a well-written and reported story on a tight deadline.

Candidates with some editing experience would be nice.

The Senior Statehouse Reporter will work closely with the veteran journalist Jeremy Alford, head of LAPolitics, which is now part of the State Affairs family.

The candidate will, among other things, arrange interviews with government officials and others who can provide information about stories; review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines; determine a story’s emphasis, length and format, and organize material accordingly; research and analyze background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information; gather information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, social or other functions; and pitch stories to editors that are relevant to the local community.

This position is NOT remote. The candidate will work most days out of the Louisiana State Capitol.Baton Rouge Statehouse. Candidates not in Baton Rouge or the surrounding area must be willing to relocate to the area.

State Affairs offers health insurance and a generous vacation policy.

The salary for this position is $56,000 to $70,000 annually based on experience.

Required Skills/Abilities

Ability to meet deadline

Clean writer

Persistent

Pays attention to detail

Research skills

Strong reporting skills

Familiarity with data-based reporting

Investigative reporting skills a plus

Digital literacy and familiarity with multimedia platforms and methods

Logistical reasoning and objectivity

Familiar with Associated Press style

Adhere to journalism code of ethics

Strong project management and project planning skills

Demonstrated team leadership experience

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds

Ability, and willingness, to attend numerous social events

Some editing experience preferred

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience

Five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred

How to apply

Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter to Alison Bethel, chief content officer and editor-in-chief at alison@stateaffairs.com. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.