Statehouse Reporter

Date Posted	January 05, 2025
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Politics
Required Education	Bachelor’s Degree
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	Negotiable

Description:

Statehouse Reporter

Sacramento, CA

State Affairs, a national, digital news outlet reporting on state legislatures and state governments, is in search of an experienced journalist to cover critical news and policy coming out of the state capitol in Sacramento, Calif. 

About the position

We seek a full-time journalist with three-to-five years reporting and writing experience who can produce well-thought out dailies and the occasional enterprise story on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. This journalist is also able to turn around well-written and reported stories on a tight deadline.

The candidate will, among other things, arrange interviews with government officials and others who can provide information about stories; cover sessions, committees, news conferences and events; review copy and correct errors in content, grammar and punctuation, following prescribed editorial style and formatting guidelines; determine a story’s emphasis, length and format, and organize material accordingly; research and analyze background information related to news stories to be able to provide complete and accurate information; gather information about events through research, interviews, experience or attendance at political, social or other functions; and pitch stories to editors that are relevant to the capitol  community.

This position is NOT remote. The candidate will work most days out of the California State Capitol. Candidates not in Sacramento or the surrounding area must be willing to relocate to the area. Candidates with knowledge of California politics preferred.

State Affairs offers health insurance, dental and vision as well as paid vacation days.

About State Affairs

State Affairs, Inc. is a digital media company focusing on delivering specialized, comprehensive, high-quality content tailored to the needs of high-level professionals in the area of state government, including lawyers, government officials, political analysts, state agency heads and their staff, lobbyists, corporate executives, industry associations, advocacy groups and others interested in the intricacies of public policy and government. 

Required Skills/Abilities

Ability to meet deadline
Clean writer
Persistent
Pays attention to detail
Research skills
Strong reporting skills
Familiarity with data-based reporting
Investigative reporting skills a plus
Digital literacy and familiarity with multimedia platforms and methods
Logistical reasoning and objectivity
Familiar with Associated Press style
Adhere to journalism code of ethics
Strong project management and project planning skills
Demonstrated team leadership experience
Excellent verbal and written communication skills. 

Ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds 

Able to travel

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience
At least three to five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred.

How to apply

Interested candidates should forward a resume and cover letter to Alison Bethel, chief content officer and editor-in-chief at [email protected]. Applications without a cover letter will not be reviewed.

State Affairs is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.