Logo
POLITICO

California Playbook Writer

POLITICO, Sacramento, CA


Want to join an ambitious, collaborative and growing newsroom in the nation's most populous and economically powerful state? Apply to co-author one of POLITICO's marquee newsletters, California Playbook, our must-read rundown of politics in the Golden State.

We are looking for a self-starting, multi-tasking scoop master who is brimming with ideas for newsletters and enterprise. This reporter should have a sophisticated understanding of politics and not be afraid to provide sharp analysis on the power dynamics that drive the day in the state Capitol. The applicant must either be based in Sacramento or be willing to move there. The ideal candidate can write in an engaging way that immediately captures a reader's interest and thrive in a fast-paced news environment. A strong grasp of California politics is preferred but not required. An ability to source up quickly and own a beat are a must.

What You'll Do:

  • Work with California Playbook co-authors and other politics and policy reporters to break news and cover political dynamics with a special focus on the state Capitol.
  • Build a deep source base in Sacramento and elsewhere in California by regularly meeting with lawmakers, staff, lobbyists and policy advocates.
  • Closely track daily developments of high interest to our readers.
  • Make regular appearances on television and radio.
  • Serve as an ambassador for our coverage through POLITICO events.


What You'll Need:

  • A deep knowledge of California politics, including the key players and forces driving the legislative process in Sacramento and elections across the state - or an eagerness to quickly learn the beat.
  • Excellent reporting skills, including the ability to break news on a regular basis.
  • Strong news judgment and a sense for which stories will resonate with POLITICO's audience.
  • A lively voice and knack for breaking down politics for insiders as well as more casual readers.
  • The entrepreneurial drive to produce one of POLITICO's most-read publications on a daily basis and experiment with new features.
  • The ability to work independently yet in close coordination with editors in Sacramento and Washington.


The anticipated salary range for candidates who will work in Sacramento, CA is $90,000.00-$115,000.00 per year. The final salary offered, which may be higher than the current anticipated salary range, to a successful candidate will be dependent on several factors that may include but are not limited to the type and years of experience within the job, type and years of experience within the industry, education, etc.

In addition to base salary, we offer ongoing career development coaching, a flexible vacation plan, fully paid six-month parental leave, 401k match, medical, dental, and vision insurance, phone and commuting reimbursements, and more.

We are driven by our values. We are relentless contributors, disruptors of the status quo, collaborators, talent cultivators and DEI stewards. Our culture is defined by grit, total integrity and a prioritization on innovation.

We value our people. Click here for more on what we offer and what it's like to work for POLITICO.

Let's keep in touch. You can view our list of open positions here and email us [redacted]. We hope to see your application soon!

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)