Mid-level Statehouse Reporter

The Kansas City Beacon is looking for a motivated mid-career reporter to cover the Kansas Statehouse. This role requires a journalist deeply committed to understanding the needs and challenges of Kansas residents, particularly those in the Wichita area (Sedgwick County) and the Kansas side of the Kansas City metro (Wyandotte and Johnson Counties). Join us as we illuminate Kansas and Missouri with revelatory, data-driven, contextual journalism that cares about communities.

About us

In our fourth year of publishing, The Kansas City Beacon has grown rapidly. Our parent organization runs a sister newsroom in Wichita. We’re a journalist-founded, nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. We collaborate and share our coverage at no cost with other media outlets in Kansas and Missouri. Beacon stories are revelatory, explanatory and, at times, investigative. We put a big emphasis on impact and community engagement and feedback.

If you’re looking to be a part of a dynamic newsroom reshaping the future of journalism in Kansas and Missouri, emphasizing community engagement, inclusivity, and deep, analytical reporting, then The Beacon is the place for you. Be part of our mission by diving into stories that resonate, inform, and inspire action.

Key Responsibilities:

Deliver nuanced and comprehensive coverage centered on the issues that impact the prosperity and well-being of Kansans.
Proactively engage with the community to uncover and understand the most pressing issues.
Produce analysis-rich stories, highlighting the complexities of state governance and its impact.
Explore rural issues and the concerns of rural communities, bridging urban-rural divides.
Collaborate with The Kansas City Beacon and The Wichita Beacon to provide cohesive coverage across both states.
Coordinate with other statehouse reporters, contrasting solutions and outcomes between states when applicable.
Understand and leverage the editorial strategies of The Beacon, focusing on current news that matters, and producing both quick turnaround and deep-dive pieces.

Requirements:

A passion for government transparency, local journalism, and the welfare of Kansas communities.
Willingness to reside in or relocate to Topeka or nearby areas.
At least three years of professional reporting experience, with a penchant for explanatory journalism.
Strong interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred qualifications:

Experience with data journalism and a history of fighting for public records.
Previous experience in government reporting.
Deep knowledge of Kansas government, politics, and community issues.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field.
Powerful writing skills, proven news judgment, and a strong commitment to journalistic ethics.
A record of writing stories with impact, clarity, and thoughtful skepticism.
A demonstrated ability to take direction and work collaboratively.
A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Enthusiasm for independent, nonprofit news media and collaboration with other outlets.
A passion for community journalism.
Residing in or willing to relocate to the Topeka metro.

Salary: $50,000 to $60,000 a year depending on experience and reporting portfolio.

Compensation and benefits:

Full-time, competitive salary with benefits.

We pay 100% of employee monthly health, vision and dental premiums, and a portion of dependent premiums.

Paid time off: Federal holidays, a birthday holiday, the last week of the year and two weeks vacation/sick leave.

Paid parental leave.

Quarterly cell phone reimbursement.

$50,000 in employer-paid life insurance with supplemental life insurance available.

100% employer-paid long and short-term disability.

Next steps:

To apply or questions: Email HR@thebeacon.media

Applications will be reviewed and interviews scheduled on a rolling basis, giving an advantage to early applicants.

We are an expanding and collaborative newsroom, successfully forging a new model for sustainable, intelligent, nonprofit journalism. We’re committed to diversity and especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply.