Reporter, Idaho Capital Sun

Job Description

Join the Idaho Capital Sun and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to average Idahoans.

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The Idaho Capital Sun is an award-winning nonprofit news organization that covers state government, politics and policy. It is staffed by veteran Idaho reporters and is dedicated to its mission of relentless investigative journalism that sheds light on how decisions at the Statehouse in Boise are made and what impact those decisions have on individuals across the Gem State.

Part of States Newsroom, the Capital Sun believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work. 

Based in Idaho, this reporter will thrive in a collaborative culture, possess great news judgment, and demonstrate the ability to develop a beat to create compelling, engaging journalism. The reporter will cover the Idaho Legislature, state agencies, statewide elections and other capital city issues. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos, and share content on social media.

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 Idaho government and officials
• Contribute regularly to Capital Sun’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Collaborate with other reporters and assist with research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand social media presence representing the outlet
• Use personal social media accounts to amplify site’s content
• Take quality photos to illustrate stories

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000 and rises depending on experience. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• Four weeks of vacation per year
• Two 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
• Full-service EAP

All necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom. Authorization to work in the United States is required. At this time, States Newsroom is unable to provide visa sponsorship. 

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels — from quick hit to investigative — but not at the expense of burning out its employees. We are 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.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience, 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. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least 4 posts per week.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send a cover letter, resume with three references, and at least three links or clips to jobs-at-statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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