Maryland Matters Reporter

Job Description

Maryland Matters is an independent, nonprofit newsroom based in Annapolis. We’re part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. We have more reporters covering Annapolis than any media outlet in the state, but are still a small team punching above its weight.

We stepped in eight years ago to fill the void left as legacy media abandoned state and local news coverage. We’ve been going strong since then, covering all the important issues: education and transportation, poverty and health care, energy and the environment, the business community and organized labor, and of course, politics. We are based in Annapolis but range the state to give Maryland citizens the news they need to hold their government and elected officials accountable.

The successful candidate should have a strong background in government and policy reporting, but as part of a small team you should be comfortable reporting, and pitching stories, across various beats.

Job Responsibilities

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Maryland government and officials
• Attend meetings and hearings of the General Assembly, executive agencies and courts
• Meet deadlines as assigned
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, 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 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 to illustrate and amplify stories, employ other media as appropriate

The minimum salary for this position is $52,000 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.

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, please send cover letter, resume with professional references and at least three links or clips to jobs@statesnewsroom.com.

Job Requirements

Qualifications

The successful candidate will have at least two years’ reporting and/or editing experience at a news outlet (student journalism counts) and be able to write clearly and comprehensively about policy, making complicated topics understandable to the layperson.

Experience covering a legislature is preferred but not required. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. All States Newsroom employees are required to have been vaccinated for COVID-19 within 30 days of hire. Access to a regular, reliable transportation is essential.

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