By Adam Pagnucco.
Bethesda Beat is not the only news organization seeking new hires; so is Maryland Matters. The latter organization, co-founded by legendary reporter Josh Kurtz, is looking to hire an Annapolis-based reporter who will “focus on Maryland’s health care and social services programs, with a focus on data and enterprise reporting.” Come on readers, let’s work together to staff up two of our best news sites! The job description is reprinted below.
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Reporter, Maryland Matters
Join Maryland Matters and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to Marylanders’ lives.
Maryland Matters is in our sixth year and proud to be the largest news team dedicated to covering the Maryland State House full-time.
Part of States Newsroom, we cover politics, policy and other stories of statewide interest, and seek a reporter who can provide important information to readers about elected officials, how public money is spent, and the ways that Marylanders’ lives are affected by decisions made in the halls of power.
Based in beautiful Annapolis, this reporter will focus on Maryland’s health care and social services programs, with a focus on data and enterprise reporting. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories on topics determined in consultation with the editor-in-chief. The ideal candidate will know how to track trending topics and find the nexus points at the state and local levels. The reporting will take readers beyond the headline or press releases to give a deeper understanding of the issues.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Produce regular, high-quality reporting on issues facing Maryland
Generate story ideas with the editor
Pursue story leads with strong self-direction and 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
Establish and expand social media presence representing the outlet
Use personal social media accounts to amplify site’s content
Take quality photos to illustrate stories
QUALIFICATIONS
We’re looking for candidates with at least two years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (student journalism counts), sound news judgment, flexibility, and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least 4 posts per week. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.
The minimum salary for this position is $50,000 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
7 holidays and 4 floating holidays
$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
New laptop and any necessary equipment will be provided.
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.
To apply, send resume, references and samples of published work to jobs<at>statesnewsroom.com.