Accountability Reporter

The Bulwark•Washington, DC

1d•$135,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The Bulwark is hiring an Accountability Reporter for its Content department in Washington, DC. The reporter will cover corruption, conflicts of interest, and misuse of public office across the Executive Branch, Congress, and federal agencies, including enforcement developments such as DOJ decisions, inspector general reports, ethics complaints, pardons, and court cases. The role includes breaking news from investigations on Capitol Hill, covering hearings, interviewing lawmakers and witnesses, and pursuing longer investigations when warranted. The reporter will build and maintain sources across government, watchdog groups, legal practitioners, Congress, and former officials. They will use public records, FOIA requests, financial disclosures, lobbying filings, and court dockets, while upholding standards for accuracy, fairness, and legal review. They will also write and lead an accountability newsletter publishing at least weekly, appear on Bulwark shows and videos, contribute to social packaging, and collaborate with editors, producers, and reporters on coverage plans. The team works in person five days a week at the Washington, DC office.

Requirements

At least 5 years of reporting experience, with a track record of investigative stories and/or coverage of a similar beat.
Ability to report quickly and accurately, turning a scoop or filing into a clean story on deadline without cutting corners.
Strong sourcing skills, including the ability to uncover documents and scan public records.
Clear, direct writing skills and the ability to explain complex stories to a general audience.
Comfort on camera or eagerness to develop that skill.
Sound judgment regarding sourcing, fairness, and legal risk.
Alignment with The Bulwark's commitment to democracy and the rule of law.

Nice To Haves

Experience covering DOJ, federal courts, legal and public office ethics, or campaign finance.
Skills in data reporting or financial records analysis.
Experience appearing on podcasts, video, or TV.

Responsibilities

Cover corruption, conflicts of interest, and misuse of public office across the Executive Branch, Congress, and federal agencies.
Track enforcement developments, including DOJ decisions, inspector general reports, ethics complaints, pardons, and court cases.
Break news from investigations on Capitol Hill, cover hearings, and interview lawmakers and witnesses.
Pursue longer investigations when the reporting warrants it.
Build and maintain sources across government, watchdog groups, legal practitioners, members of Congress, and former officials.
Mine public records, including by filing FOIA requests, and review financial disclosures, lobbying filings, and court dockets.
Ensure stories meet rigorous standards for accuracy, fairness, and legal review.
Write and helm an accountability newsletter that publishes at least once and often twice per week.
Develop a distinct newsletter voice that encourages readers to open each issue and subscribe.
Appear on Bulwark shows and videos to explain reporting.
Contribute to social packaging to help stories reach audiences.
Collaborate with editors, producers, and other reporters on coverage plans.