State Government/Politics Reporter

Newport News, VA
Posted on  

Job Description

Summary:
The Virginian-Pilot is seeking an aggressive, digitally savvy reporter who understands how to use all the tools in the journalism toolbox. You know how to build a beat through strong sourcing and understand the need to not only write stories about the people who run the state but those who are affected by their decisions. You appreciate the depth and variety a statehouse/politics beat offers readers, from quick hits to breaking news to features and explanatory stories.
What you will do:
  • Work with a team to cover local and statewide government, with a focus on Hampton Roads
  • Cover major state governmental actions and initiatives that will impact Hampton Roads, with an emphasis on adding context about what those decisions mean and who will be impacted
  • Measure performance of your digital content through audience engagement metrics and work with the audience team to develop tactics and strategies to build an audience
  • Work with data and visuals teams, as appropriate, to deepen reporting and produce data-visualization content items
  • Write governmental stories from reader/residents perspective so that stories on new initiatives and projects make clear the cost to taxpayers
  • Collaborate with city government reporters on issues that impact the region and individual cities
  • Take the point on elections for statewide offices and the region’s state legislators
  • Monitor the federal congressional delegation for newsworthy decisions and actions; cover congressional visits to Hampton Roads, as needed
  • Help cover state, local and federal elections
  • Build a strong network of sources in state government
  • Cover major breaking news made by state and federal officials
  • Produce an average of four to five stories a week during the session, and three stories per week the rest of the year
What you will bring:
  • Strong news judgment, a collaborative approach and a desire to get the story swiftly and accurately
  • Ability to thrive in our fast-paced operation and capable of producing a variety of content: photos and videos, tweets, short updates for web, and print stories with deep context
  • A passion for storytelling in all formats
  • At least two years’ experience in daily journalism is preferred
  • Able to work in Richmond on weekdays and some weekends from January through March each year, and be available to work in Richmond during special legislative sessions throughout the year
  • Able to work breaking news shifts on weekends and holidays outside of the January through March window
  • Strong communication skills; work well with editors across the newsroom
  • Sets and meets tight deadlines
  • A college degree
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation required
Who we are:
We’re the Virginian-Pilot/Daily Press - an award-winning, multi-platform news operation with a growing audience. A progressive news operation with a focus on communication and collaboration at all levels, we’re passionate about serving our readers and helping our journalists develop new skills.
  • We’re one of the largest news operations in Virginia, with coverage from Richmond to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. That’s a big audience — looking for both statewide and hyperlocal coverage.
  • We aim for ambitious journalism that makes an impact on Virginians’ lives. Our reporters have won numerous national awards in the past five years for strong watchdog and investigative work.
  • Our coverage area includes the world’s largest Navy base, many cities and miles of beaches in southeast Virginia. The six cities in our core coverage area include some with large and diverse populations, and sprawling suburbs that reach into rural areas.
We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.
#LI-MW1

Recommended Jobs

Similar Jobs