The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring a Washington D.C-based correspondent to cover federal politics and policies that affect Texans.
We are seeking an aggressive and enterprising reporter to provide watchdog coverage of Texas’ large, colorful and powerful congressional delegation (Soon to be 38 House members and 2 senators).
Texas politicians in Austin and Washington frequently attract the national spotlight. Texans are routinely in contention for the White House. Texas is a space of contention for both major parties, and Texas’ future is also America’s.
This reporter will be expected to contribute smart, competitive and analytical coverage of the delegation, including lawmaking and elections. That should include explanatory reporting about what federal legislation means for Texas, textured and accountability-driven profiles of lawmakers, regulators, administration officials and office-seekers, and the ability to write frequently and aggressively during peak political periods.
This position involves a lot of news coverage, but also an enterprising and creative approach. One reporter (even with the aid of our terrific fellows) cannot cover all of federal policy that affects Texas. We are not seeking someone to primarily keep track of Texas votes on federal legislation. Instead, this reporter should be able to write compelling profiles of major Texas political figures, jump on breaking news (like FBI raids) and identify the roles Texans play in pushing or obstructing legislation and regulation.
This reporter ideally will have a keen eye for national political trends, and how our voters or representatives either shape or fit into those narratives. That might include stories about former President Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party or how Democrats are preparing for what could be a “red wave” in the midterm elections.
This reporter should be interested in writing about power, who has it, and why the scales may be tilting in different directions. But this reporter should also be equally interested in connecting political decision-making to the impact on ordinary Texans. Familiarity with Capitol Hill reporting is a plus, but most of all we’re seeking a journalist with insatiable curiosity and energy and a commitment to fairness and truth-seeking.
This reporter should be able to authoritatively root out and combat misinformation. This reporter should have an understanding and interest in campaign finance and how money influences power in our state. A collaborative spirit — including ability to work well on teams and with multimedia, data and visual journalists — is essential. So is a sense of humor.
The reporter will also actively participate in Tribune events, and represent the newsroom in broadcast media appearances under the guidance of the Marketing and Communications Director.
This reporter will report to the politics editor.
The starting salary for this position is $80,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities:
We are seeking an aggressive and enterprising reporter to provide watchdog coverage of Texas’ large, colorful and powerful congressional delegation (Soon to be 38 House members and 2 senators).
Texas politicians in Austin and Washington frequently attract the national spotlight. Texans are routinely in contention for the White House. Texas is a space of contention for both major parties, and Texas’ future is also America’s.
This reporter will be expected to contribute smart, competitive and analytical coverage of the delegation, including lawmaking and elections. That should include explanatory reporting about what federal legislation means for Texas, textured and accountability-driven profiles of lawmakers, regulators, administration officials and office-seekers, and the ability to write frequently and aggressively during peak political periods.
This position involves a lot of news coverage, but also an enterprising and creative approach. One reporter (even with the aid of our terrific fellows) cannot cover all of federal policy that affects Texas. We are not seeking someone to primarily keep track of Texas votes on federal legislation. Instead, this reporter should be able to write compelling profiles of major Texas political figures, jump on breaking news (like FBI raids) and identify the roles Texans play in pushing or obstructing legislation and regulation.
This reporter ideally will have a keen eye for national political trends, and how our voters or representatives either shape or fit into those narratives. That might include stories about former President Donald Trump’s continued influence over the Republican Party or how Democrats are preparing for what could be a “red wave” in the midterm elections.
This reporter should be interested in writing about power, who has it, and why the scales may be tilting in different directions. But this reporter should also be equally interested in connecting political decision-making to the impact on ordinary Texans. Familiarity with Capitol Hill reporting is a plus, but most of all we’re seeking a journalist with insatiable curiosity and energy and a commitment to fairness and truth-seeking.
This reporter should be able to authoritatively root out and combat misinformation. This reporter should have an understanding and interest in campaign finance and how money influences power in our state. A collaborative spirit — including ability to work well on teams and with multimedia, data and visual journalists — is essential. So is a sense of humor.
The reporter will also actively participate in Tribune events, and represent the newsroom in broadcast media appearances under the guidance of the Marketing and Communications Director.
This reporter will report to the politics editor.
The starting salary for this position is $80,000 + depending on qualifications and experience.
Responsibilities:
- Write accurate, clear and well-reported stories while facing daily deadlines
- File frequently, balancing daily and enterprise coverage
- Identify and pitch stories from fresh and under-examined angles
- Collaborate with other reporters, as well as our communications/media relations team
- Occasional travel and work on nights, weekends and holidays
- BA/BS degree and 5+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
- A passion and talent for jumping on quick-turn enterprise writing
- A demonstrated ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines
- A deep commitment to and enthusiasm for both breaking news and enterprise reporting
- A clear desire and proven ability to collaborate with other colleagues across the organization
- A strong sense and devotion to journalistic ethics and libel law.
- Strong communication and story-telling skills using AP style and ability to research and fact check information on your own using excellent writing, reviewing, and editing skills
- Spanish-language skills are preferred
About The Texas Tribune
Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.
All of us at the Trib believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.
Location
The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol building. This position is based in Austin, but we will consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas. We have colleagues in the organization that come into the office on a regular basis and colleagues that are based in various cities throughout the United States.
Benefits
This job is full time and has the following benefits:
- Medical, vision and dental insurance
- A cellphone stipend
- 20 days of paid time off each year
- Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave plus four weeks of additional job protection
- 401(k) matching
- Support for professional training and attending industry conferences
- Remote working flexibility
Submit your application here by May 16, 2022, with a resume and examples of your work, please submit a cover letter detailing your vision for this position and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.
The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.