Congress and Campaigns Reporter

USA TODAY/usatoday.com is seeking a Congress and campaigns reporter to provide our audience with the news they need to make informed decisions in the 2024 election. You will explain how politics impacts people. You will tell readers about the decisions and plans that affect their lives. You will explain why politics and policies matter. You will cover communities, voters and candidates across the country. You are self-motivated with a lot of story ideas you can't wait to share.

Job Level: Reporter I

Minimum Salary: $55,000

Responsibilities

You will tell readers about the decisions and plans that affect their lives.
You will explain why politics and policies matter.
You will cover communities, voters and candidates across the country.
Deliver lively and engaging content about politics and the 2024 campaign for our audience.
Provide thoughtful, in-depth reporting of complex issues on Capitol Hill and on the 2024 campaign.
Write with flair and a distinctive, fair voice in an ongoing conversation with the reader.
Pitch, report and write about Congress and campaigns with an emphasis on people-focused angles and stories that connect with an audience well outside the Washington Beltway.
Build a wide network of sources to deliver scoops and exclusives.
A commitment to the highest ethics, integrity and serving our readers.
Perform other duties as necessary.

Requirements

Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
A collaborative approach and eagerness team up with other reporters on Politics Team and with USA Today Network partners across the country.
At least two years of political reporting experience.
Sharp news judgment, an eye for color and detail, and deep knowledge of the political landscape.
Prior experience covering Congress, state legislatures and/or campaigns preferred.
The ability to handle major breaking stories under deadline.
A comfort level with pivoting between breaking stories and deeply reported enterprise.
Strong competitive instincts and intellectual curiosity.
Ability to think and act tactically and strategically.
Proficiency in AP style and grammar.
Excellent collaboration and communication skills.
Comfortable using social media to report and promote stories.
Understands media law, reporting ethics and sourcing.
This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
Employment is contingent on passing a post-offer, pre-employment background check, drug screen and motor vehicle record check.

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order:

Your resume – one to two pages.
A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.
Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration.