Missouri Statehouse Reporter

$50,000 - $70,000 a year

This job gives a reporter a wide berth to explore state government through an enterprising lens. The Beacon is relatively small, so we mostly leave daily and breaking stories to other news outlets. Instead, we want our Statehouse work to explore the overlooked legislation, the consequences of high-profile bills that demand more consideration, the obstacles to legislation tailored to the Kansas City area and to rural Missouri. In addition, The Beacon’s Statehouse reporter has the time and freedom to dig into state agencies to critique how they’re responding to the needs of ordinary Missourians.

The biggest challenge to the job — to identify stories that other news organizations miss — also represents its greatest opportunity. That allows you to shine a light on critical issues that don’t come through in the daily coverage of other outlets. If you have expertise in a particular topic that relates to state government, or if you want to develop that expertise, you’ll be able to pursue stories in that area.

Responsibilities

Write an average of four stories per month (fewer in the first month or two as you get grounded) of 800 to 1,500 words each, plus one shorter, evergreen, utilitarian post of 300-500 words (guides on various ways to navigate health care, schools, local government, state government) per month.
Author and produce weekly statehouse newsletter during the legislative session or major elections, recapping the news of the week.
Develop sources in the General Assembly, among the staffs of statewide office holder and and across state agencies.
Stay on top of trends and news developments in Kansas City and rural Missouri.
Identify, research, pitch, write and report stories on a level of sophistication that meets or exceeds the best in the market.
Field occasional story assignments from your editor, but expect to pursue mostly stories that you identify.
Track source demographics.
Find and analyze census data to uncover overlooked developments.
Represent The Beacon at occasional events as well as at appearances on other local media outlets that elevate The Beacon in the community.
Use sources, story ideas, research and writing that reflects Missouri’s diversity.
Participate in community engagement events.
Make occasional trips to Kansas City for Beacon staff functions.

Preferred qualifications:

If you don’t check all the boxes, but think you’d crush this job, apply anyway. We know that building a diverse staff is important, and being flexible on requirements is part of that:

Powerful writing skills, proven news judgment, and a strong commitment to journalistic ethics.
A desire to diversify the sources in your reporting to cover a wide range of demographics and philosophical outlooks.
Familiarity with the Midwest, Missouri, the General Assembly and state government and the judiciary.
A record of writing stories with impact, clarity and thoughtful skepticism.
A demonstrated ability to identify and pursue stories on your own combined with a willingness to take direction on the framing of stories and the editing of your copy.
A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Enthusiasm for independent, nonprofit news media and collaboration with other outlets.
A passion for community journalism.
Familiarity with data sets and records.
Fluency in Spanish or another language besides English.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $50,000 to $70,000 a year, depending on experience and reporting portfolio.
Health Coverage: 100% of employee health, vision, and dental premiums covered; a portion of dependent premiums covered.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes federal holidays and progressive PTO accrual starting at three weeks per year (vacation and sick time combined), increasing with tenure.
Remote Work: Work from home, occasional in-person meetings required (your predecessor worked from Columbia, Mo.).
Parental Leave: Paid parental leave policy in effect.
Cell Phone Reimbursement: Up to $50 per month.
Life Insurance: $50,000 employer-paid policy; supplemental insurance available.
Disability Insurance: 100% employer-paid long and short-term disability.
Retirement savings: We hope to launch a 401 (k) program in 2024, although we don’t anticipate an employer match to start.

Location Our plan is for this reporter to be based in/near Jefferson City or Columbia, MO.