Senior Statehouse Reporters

State Affairs Inc., a national, digital news site reporting on state legislatures around the country, is in search of experienced journalists to cover critical news and policy coming out of the California State Capitol in Sacramento, CA.

The reporter will be part of the State Affairs Pro team.

State Affairs Pro is a platform that provides exclusive coverage of the intricacies of the executive, legislative and judicial branches of state government as well as state agencies. It is a customizable product that provides reporting analysis and other legislative tools to those political insiders and others who closely follow politics as part of their profession.

About the position

We seek full-time journalists with significant reporting and writing experience who can produce well-thought out dailies and enterprise stories on the inner workings of state government, state government agencies, policy makers and other movers and shakers. These journalists are able to turn around a well-written and reported story on a tight deadline. 

As a relatively new startup, we are looking for journalists with a sense of adventure and who want to land in a place where they can have a significant impact on the growth of our property in California and where they can do their best work for the remainder of their career.

The successful candidates will be expected to produce two to three stories a day, particularly when the state's Legislature is in session. The reporters will follow committee meetings and other sessions, the governor's office, state legislators and state agencies. Reporters will arrange interviews with government officials and others who can provide information about stories; 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 local community.

This position is NOT remote; nor is it an entry-level position.

Statehouse reporters 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.

State Affairs offers health benefits and a generous vacation policy.

The salary for this position is $95,000 to $110,000 annually based on experience.

Required Skills/Abilities

Ability to meet deadline

Clean writer

Persistent

Pays attention to detail

Research skills

Strong reporting skills

An understanding of the political process

Familiarity with data-based reporting a plus

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

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to communicate effectively with people of all backgrounds

Education and Experience

Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field preferred

Three to five years of experience as a reporter or editor; government reporting preferred

Join our mission

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.

How to apply

Send a cover letter and resume with at least three writing samples to Alison Bethel, editor-in-chief and chief content officer, at alison@stateaffairs.com. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Please do not apply if you do not have some journalism experience.

Base salary

$95,000/yr - $110,000/yr