Political reporter job description
Updated March 14, 2024
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Example political reporter requirements on a job description
Political reporter requirements can be divided into technical requirements and required soft skills. The lists below show the most common requirements included in political reporter job postings.
Sample political reporter requirements
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science or related field
- Minimum of 3 years experience in political journalism/reporting
- Excellent writing and communication skills
- Ability to work under tight deadlines
- Familiarity with political processes and systems
Sample required political reporter soft skills
- Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
- Ability to remain objective and unbiased
- Excellent interpersonal skills to build relationships with sources and colleagues
- Flexibility and adaptability to cope with changes in political landscapes
- Passion for politics and current events
Political reporter job description example 1
Nexstar Media Group political reporter job description
State politics has long defined policies close to home, from educational standards to taxes and infrastructure. Increasingly, state lawmakers are making national news as legislation rapidly moves from one state to another.
The Hill, a division of Nexstar Media Group, seeks a state political reporter to spot statehouse trends across all 50 states and join our growing news team as we work to be more relevant to more Americans.
This is a remote, work-from-home position. You need not live in the Washington, D.C., area. Any person in this position will be represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, Communications Workers of America Local 32035, AFL-CIO.
About the role
The Hill's state politics reporter will pay close attention to state lawmakers and legislative bodies to report on emerging trends, noteworthy figures and developments of interest to a national audience.
Opportunities exist for fast-turn daily stories as well as deeper enterprise coverage. The right candidate will collaborate with The Hill's expert team of reporters covering politics and policy to pair their coverage of state politics to happenings in D.C.'s political climate and national events.
Skills and qualifications
Ideal candidates will bring prior experience covering politics at the state or national level and a track record of both fast and unique, thought provoking enterprise journalism. A degree in journalism or related field is required, and previous reporting experience in a metro or national media environment is preferred.
Candidates should have good instincts for understanding what angles make for a strong story. This person is as comfortable turning fast stories on lightning rod candidates or off-the-cuff remarks from state politicians as they are examining themes connecting state laws.
Please upload your materials with as much of the following as possible: your updated resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position, and your portfolio/clips or links to a few samples of your work. Completing these steps will ensure that you receive the highest consideration. Compensation ranges from $60-$80k per year + commensurate with experience and skill level.Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Life Insurance, and 401K with company match.
About The Hill
Established in 1994, The Hill is the country's definitive digital source for non-partisan political news and information. Inside the Beltway, it's known as an essential, agenda-setting read for lawmakers and influencers. Beyond the Capitol, The Hill's trusted content is shared more often on social media than any other political news brand in America.
Our properties include TheHill.com, reaching a monthly audience of 41M; Hill.TV, the largest independent video platform within the Beltway with 1.4B annual views; The Hill's print edition, one of the most influential sources for law and policy makers; Elevate Studios, creating breakthrough branded content offerings for leading marketers; and The Hill Events, which hosted 70 virtual events last year, featuring 92 Members of Congress and 88 industry leaders in meaningful policy discussions. #LI-Remote
The Hill, a division of Nexstar Media Group, seeks a state political reporter to spot statehouse trends across all 50 states and join our growing news team as we work to be more relevant to more Americans.
This is a remote, work-from-home position. You need not live in the Washington, D.C., area. Any person in this position will be represented by the Washington-Baltimore News Guild, Communications Workers of America Local 32035, AFL-CIO.
About the role
The Hill's state politics reporter will pay close attention to state lawmakers and legislative bodies to report on emerging trends, noteworthy figures and developments of interest to a national audience.
Opportunities exist for fast-turn daily stories as well as deeper enterprise coverage. The right candidate will collaborate with The Hill's expert team of reporters covering politics and policy to pair their coverage of state politics to happenings in D.C.'s political climate and national events.
Skills and qualifications
Ideal candidates will bring prior experience covering politics at the state or national level and a track record of both fast and unique, thought provoking enterprise journalism. A degree in journalism or related field is required, and previous reporting experience in a metro or national media environment is preferred.
Candidates should have good instincts for understanding what angles make for a strong story. This person is as comfortable turning fast stories on lightning rod candidates or off-the-cuff remarks from state politicians as they are examining themes connecting state laws.
Please upload your materials with as much of the following as possible: your updated resume, a brief cover letter explaining your interest and fit for the position, and your portfolio/clips or links to a few samples of your work. Completing these steps will ensure that you receive the highest consideration. Compensation ranges from $60-$80k per year + commensurate with experience and skill level.Benefits include medical, dental, vision, Life Insurance, and 401K with company match.
About The Hill
Established in 1994, The Hill is the country's definitive digital source for non-partisan political news and information. Inside the Beltway, it's known as an essential, agenda-setting read for lawmakers and influencers. Beyond the Capitol, The Hill's trusted content is shared more often on social media than any other political news brand in America.
Our properties include TheHill.com, reaching a monthly audience of 41M; Hill.TV, the largest independent video platform within the Beltway with 1.4B annual views; The Hill's print edition, one of the most influential sources for law and policy makers; Elevate Studios, creating breakthrough branded content offerings for leading marketers; and The Hill Events, which hosted 70 virtual events last year, featuring 92 Members of Congress and 88 industry leaders in meaningful policy discussions. #LI-Remote
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Political reporter job description example 2
The Washington Post political reporter job description
Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post is seeking an enterprising and creative reporter to cover Montgomery County government and politics.
The reporter will hold decision-makers in this wealthy county accountable and explore the widening inequities in it. The best candidates will demonstrate an ability to scrutinize power and deliver well-told stories with impact. We are looking for someone who understands the importance of centering accountability stories in communities too often overlooked by elected officials.
This reporter will use data, open records and source-building to contextualize residents' experiences at the intersection of complex political and social dynamics in a rapidly diversifying county.
We are looking for someone who understands that the stories playing out in this D.C. suburb are also happening in suburbs throughout the country. This reporter should be able to provide local readers with the information they need, while also appealing to our national and global audience.
The job requires a sense of urgency, a collaborative spirit and an eagerness to experiment with different storytelling forms. This position is based in our Washington newsroom.
There is a strong internal candidate for this position, but we are eager to hear from anyone with an interest in local beat reporting. Interested candidates should upload a résumé, three of their best clips (as PDFs) and a cover letter articulating their vision for the beat to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 09/21/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Local Editor Mike Semel, Deputy Local Editor Maria Glod, Local Government and Politics Editor Katy Burnell Evans and Managing Editor Steven Ginsberg.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post is seeking an enterprising and creative reporter to cover Montgomery County government and politics.
The reporter will hold decision-makers in this wealthy county accountable and explore the widening inequities in it. The best candidates will demonstrate an ability to scrutinize power and deliver well-told stories with impact. We are looking for someone who understands the importance of centering accountability stories in communities too often overlooked by elected officials.
This reporter will use data, open records and source-building to contextualize residents' experiences at the intersection of complex political and social dynamics in a rapidly diversifying county.
We are looking for someone who understands that the stories playing out in this D.C. suburb are also happening in suburbs throughout the country. This reporter should be able to provide local readers with the information they need, while also appealing to our national and global audience.
The job requires a sense of urgency, a collaborative spirit and an eagerness to experiment with different storytelling forms. This position is based in our Washington newsroom.
There is a strong internal candidate for this position, but we are eager to hear from anyone with an interest in local beat reporting. Interested candidates should upload a résumé, three of their best clips (as PDFs) and a cover letter articulating their vision for the beat to our jobs portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 09/21/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Local Editor Mike Semel, Deputy Local Editor Maria Glod, Local Government and Politics Editor Katy Burnell Evans and Managing Editor Steven Ginsberg.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
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Updated March 14, 2024
Updated March 14, 2024