Education Reporter, Florida Phoenix

Join the Florida Phoenix and give readers critical coverage that connects state education policy to people across the Sunshine State.

The Florida Phoenix is an award-winning nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, politics, and policy. It is staffed by veteran reporters and is dedicated to its mission of relentless investigative journalism that sheds light on how decisions in Tallahassee are made and what impact those decisions have on people across Florida.

Part of States Newsroom, the Phoenix believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work that supports the ability of all Floridians to participate in the political process. We aim to tell stories that aren’t being told, to bring fresh perspectives to state issues and to amplify the voices of Florida communities that have been marginalized.

Based in Tallahassee, this reporter will thrive in a collaborative culture, possess great news judgment, and demonstrate the ability to develop a beat to create compelling, engaging journalism. The reporter will cover education policy debates in Florida, K-12 and higher education proposals in the Legislature, and other assignments. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos, and share content on social media.

The ideal candidate will know how to track trending education topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. The reporting will take readers beyond press releases, providing a deeper understanding of the issues.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Florida schools, universities and government officials
Contribute regularly to the Phoenix briefs section
Generate story ideas with the editor
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 and assist with research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
Help increase digital profile of the outlet
Take photos and occasional video to illustrate and amplify stories

QUALIFICATIONS

We’re looking for a candidate with at least five years previous reporting experience, with a strong focus on K-12 and/or higher education, sound news judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week.

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

The minimum salary for this position is $60,000 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
11 paid holidays 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

New 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 not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are 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, send a cover letter, resume with three references, and at least three links or clips to jobs-at-statesnewsroom.com.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.