Statewatch Reporter Job at The Salt Lake Tribune Inc in Salt Lake City

For more than 150 years, readers have looked to The Salt Lake Tribune for accountability and daily reporting on Utah’s elected officials. The nonprofit Salt Lake Tribune seeks a government and politics reporter to join our Statewatch team.

We're searching for an experienced journalist with the skills to break news, quickly turn daily stories, and who can also produce enterprising stories that give readers a deeper understanding how Utah’s political system impacts their lives.

Benefits

• Health, dental and vision insurance
• 401(k) with company match
• 10 paid holidays
• 3 weeks of vacation
• Family leave
• Cellphone stipend

About The Salt Lake Tribune

The Salt Lake Tribune is the nation’s first major metro newspaper to become a nonprofit. Based in Salt Lake City, The Tribune is a two-time Pulitzer winner that prides itself on aggressive watchdog reporting.

Utah offers unparalleled outdoor recreation opportunities in the Wasatch Mountains and the national parks such as Zion and Arches. Salt Lake City is home to a vibrant arts scene, a growing group of quality restaurants and the Utah Jazz.

We are proud of the work we do and we are proud of our newsroom culture. This is a collaborative, energetic organization constantly seeking ways to improve. The Tribune is an inclusive employer and is striving to continue diversifying our staff. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply.

How to apply

Please apply via the job posting link on Paylocity. Include a cover letter, resume and six examples of past work: a mix of news reporting, analysis and feature writing. Examples of video and multimedia work are a plus.

This position reports to Statewatch Editor Jeff Parrott.

Requirements and skills:

• At least a bachelor's in journalism, political science, communications or related field.
• At least three professional years of journalism experience — preferably as a reporter covering politics, state governments, the federal government and Congress, or other political institutions.
• Experience covering elections. This will include reporting quickly from debates, campaign events, and results and reactions on election night.
• Experiencing as a beat reporter — including proven experience on how to find, vet and develop sources.
• Strong command of AP style and previous experience producing accurate, clean, read-to-publish copy.
• Experience using and understanding of open records tools, to including requesting public records from government agencies at all levels.
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-breaking, stressful situations with an eye for publishing online first. Being first with the truth will drive how you break news.
• Maintain a nonpartisan, unbiased presence on social and in reporting, while also showing a mastery for using social media to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• A strong dedication to diversity in storytelling and to development of a broad range of sources.
• Ability to match the journalism with the optimal format, including Q&As, features, enterprise, video, etc.
• Understanding audience data – which of your stories are resonating with readers and which are not? Working with newsroom leaders to determine best practices moving forward.
• Engage with readers: Present events, news coverage and enterprise/public service reporting in a manner in which readers understand the need for action/involvement.
• An understanding of and passion for journalistic integrity.