Reporter, Washington State Standard

Job Description

Join the Washington State Standard and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to readers’ lives.

Washington State Standard helps readers understand how state government works and how decisions made by those in power affect people living and working in the Evergreen State. Our stories shed light on how the state is spending tax dollars, implementing laws and carrying out major projects. Readers count on us for the latest on all the action in Olympia

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, Washington State Standard believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do impactful, ambitious work. Our reporting focuses on the Legislature, governor’s office, state agencies, elections and other assignments.

The Washington State Standard is based in Olympia. This reporter could be located there or in eastern Washington to allow for meaningful reporting on how state government and policy affect Washingtonians’ daily lives in that region. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos, and share content on social media.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Washington state government and officials
• Contribute regularly to outlet’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• 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 to 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

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The minimum salary for this position is $52,000 and rises with experience. Relocation stipend may be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum healthcare 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
• Annual DeleteMe subscription

Laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided by States Newsroom. 

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.

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