Reporter, Minnesota Reformer

Occupations:

Job Description:

Join the Minnesota Reformer and give readers hard-hitting coverage that connects state policy to Minnesotans' lives.

The Minnesota Reformer is a nonprofit newsroom that has shaken up Minnesota politics and media since 2020 with hard-hitting stories on policing, Minnesota’s emerging right-wing ecosystem, government fraud, water contamination and scammy HOAs. Since launching in January 2020, our work has garnered national and local awards. Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Reformer believes in empowering journalists to do ambitious work that informs people across the North Star State.

We’re looking for someone who will be based in Minnesota; you don’t have to live in the Twin Cities though. We prize scoops, analysis, investigations and storytelling, or all of them at the same time. But the job also entails writing shorter pieces and pitching in on dailies as needed. 

Special attention will be paid to candidates with data skills, both analysis and visualization. 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on issues facing Minnesota
• Contribute regularly to the outlet’s briefs
• Generate story ideas with the editor in chief
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and 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, presence and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify 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!)
• 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
• 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 (student journalism 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. 

HOW TO APPLY

To apply send a cover letter, resume and at least 5 links or clips to jobs<at>statesnewsroom.com.