Reporter, Arkansas Advocate

Job Description

The Arkansas Advocate invites you to join its dynamic team and help give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to the people who live it.

The Arkansas Advocate is an award-winning nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization dedicated to relentless, fearless reporting that sheds light on how decisions in Little Rock are made and their impact on people and communities across the Natural State.

We cover state government, politics and policy. Part of States Newsroom, the nation’s largest state-focused nonprofit news organization, the Advocate believes in enlisting and empowering journalists to do powerful, ambitious work.

Based in Little Rock, this reporter will know how to track trending topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. Their reporting will take readers beyond press releases, providing a deeper understanding of issues affecting regular Arkansans.

They should thrive in a collaborative culture, possess great news judgment, and demonstrate the ability to create compelling, engaging journalism. They will produce daily and enterprise stories on the Legislature, state agencies, state elections, and other assignments. They also will take photos and share content on social media.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS 

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Arkansas government and officials
• Contribute regularly to outlet’s briefs section
• Generate story ideas with the editorial team
• 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 editors and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and to share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories

BENEFITS AND COMPENSATION

The minimum 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 candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (some 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 state’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 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 for COVID within 30 days of hire. Bilingual candidates encouraged to apply.
 

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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