Nebraska Examiner Reporter

Job Description

Join the Nebraska Examiner and give readers essential reporting on the state agencies and issues that affect their lives.

Nebraskans want accountability from their elected officials and government. Are their tax dollars well-spent? Are state agencies and local governments responsive to the people? Are officials, programs and policies working for the common good and a better future for our state? The Nebraska Examiner provides a hard-hitting, daily flow of important news, scoops and reports to help readers better understand the Cornhusker State.

Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Examiner is looking for a reporter to cover state agencies, officials and policy as well as the people most affected by them.

Based in Lincoln, the newsroom covers all the important issues: work and poverty, taxes and state government, the environment, housing, education, and of course, politics. All of the Examiner’s coverage is available to read or republish for free. Come ensure people from Omaha to Scottsbluff have the nonpartisan news they need to hold government and elected officials accountable.

 

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Nebraska state agencies and officials
• Contribute regularly to outlet’s briefs section
• Produce a daily morning newsletter with news readers need for the day
• 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 on projects and to share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content, presence and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The starting salary for this position is $52,000 and rises depending on experience. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum healthcare for employees and their families (i.e., nothing comes out of your paycheck!)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 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 a candidate with at least 2 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. Knowledge of Nebraska’s political landscape and leaders, previous digital, photography and/or videography experience, and an entrepreneurial spirit are strong assets. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce a minimum of four posts per week, including briefs.

Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. 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 professional references, and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

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