Reporter

Join the Pennsylvania Capital-Star and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to people across the Keystone State.

Pennsylvania Capital-Star, a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, politics, and policy, is hiring a government reporter. Our digital news organization is dedicated to its mission of relentless reporting that sheds light on how decisions in Harrisburg are made and how they affect people across Pennsylvania.

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Capital-Star team believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work that supports the ability of all Pennsylvanians 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 communities that have been marginalized.

This reporter will possess great news judgment and demonstrate the ability to develop a beat to create compelling, engaging journalism. The reporter will cover the Pennsylvania legislature, state agencies, statewide elections, and other assignments.
The ideal candidate will know how to track trending 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 Pennsylvania government and officials
Contribute regularly to the Capital-Star’s briefs section
Generate story ideas with the editor
Pursue story leads with strong self-direction and news judgment
Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
Collaborate with other reporters on projects and to share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content

QUALIFICATIONS

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting experience (student experience counts), 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.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated for COVID within 30 days of hire. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week.

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000. Our generous benefits package includes:

Premium-free platinum healthcare for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
4 weeks of vacation per year
2 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
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 we also aim to be 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 professional references, and at least five links or clips

to jobs-at-statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.