Class Politics Reporter

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced journalist to cover class in America as a full-time staff writer for The New Republic.

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate is open-minded, intellectually curious, and comfortable interviewing people from racially, ethnically, and socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. This writer also needs to be able to think beyond the cliched categories we see in much of the media (the Youngstown Trumpist, the coastal Harrisite) and tell much more complex stories about the interplay of class and politics that challenge conventional wisdom in all directions.
 
But this staff writer will not be merely a political reporter. We’re looking for compelling stories about people's lives. What are their biggest daily concerns? Do they feel like their lives are getting better or worse? Some reporting will, of course, be about people’s feelings about politics—not so much about individual politicians, but where they feel government has been a positive thing in their lives, and where it hasn't. But much of the reporting won’t be about politics at all—it will be more about life. This position will come with a travel budget, so this person will be able to get out there in the country; part of the skill will be choosing places to visit with care and precision—places that are in both economic and political flux in interesting ways.
 
In addition to filing dispatches from the field, however, this writer also needs to be conversant in academic work, specifically economic and social science research on class in America; be familiar with the various think tanks that study these matters and what their contributions are; and be on top of debates in the policy world, especially intra-liberal and intra-Democratic debates. Even more importantly, this person needs to be able to synthesize this scholarship into accessible, engaging, and authoritative articles.
 
The writer will be expected to file multiple web articles during a typical week, but will also write occasionally for the print magazine. This is a great opportunity for a serious, seasoned journalist with at least seven years of experience to do groundbreaking, original work on what is arguably the most important political beat of the moment. There may be video and podcast opportunities down the road.
 
The minimum salary for this role is $125,000. The position is covered by the collective-bargaining agreement between The New Republic and The NewsGuild of New York, CWA Local 31003, AFL-CIO.
 
To apply, please submit your résumé and a cover letter explaining why you’re right for this job. The cover letter should not only reflect your abilities as a writer, but also be tailored to TNR and show an understanding of our sensibility and history. Please also include links to five of your best clips of varying lengths, or a link to your portfolio.
 
This is a full-time position, based in Washington, D.C., Virginia, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Illinois, or Florida.
 
The New Republic is committed to diversity and encourages members of underrepresented communities to apply, including women, LGBTQ people, people of color, people with criminal records, veterans, and people with disabilities.


 

Powered by Journalismnext