Senior Reporter, Alaska Beacon

Job Description

Join the Alaska Beacon and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to Alaskans’ lives.

Alaska Beacon is an award-winning, nonpartisan news organization that covers state government, politics and policy. It is staffed by veteran Alaska journalists who report fairly and fearlessly on the people and interests that determine state policy. Beacon reporters explore how state policies affect specific areas like the economy and environment, education, health, and criminal and social justice.

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Beacon believes in empowering journalists to do powerful, ambitious work that supports the ability of all Alaskans to participate in the political process. We tell stories that aren’t being told to bring fresh perspectives to state issues and to amplify the voices of Alaska communities that have been marginalized.

The position will be based in Juneau or another city that would allow the reporter to meaningfully report on how the state government affects Alaskans, such as Bethel. The senior reporter will thrive in a collaborative culture, possess great news judgment and demonstrate the ability to develop a beat to create compelling, engaging journalism. This reporter will cover the Legislature, state agencies, statewide elections, Indigenous affairs and other assignments, with an emphasis on education as well as criminal and social justice.

The senior reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, support the other reporters, and take photos. The ideal candidate will know how to track trending topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. The reporting will take readers beyond press releases, providing a deeper understanding of the issues.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Alaska government and officials
• Contribute regularly to Beacon’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 and assist with research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Fill in for the editor when necessary
• Establish and expand social media presence representing the outlet
• Use personal social media accounts to amplify site’s content
• Take photos and occasional video to illustrate and amplify stories

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

The minimum salary for this position is $67,000 and rises depending on experience. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• Four weeks of vacation per year
• Two 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.

Job Requirements

We’re looking for candidates with at least seven years of professional news reporting and/or editing experience, sound news judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to be fully vaccinated within 30 days of hire.

​HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please send a cover letter, resume with three professional references, and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

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