Crime, Courts & Local Government Reporter-Butte, MT

Lee Enterprises•Butte, MT

19h•Onsite

About The Position

The Montana Standard, a trusted daily newspaper serving Butte and Southwest Montana, is seeking an ambitious, watchdog-minded reporter to cover crime, courts and local government. This is a high-impact beat in a historic, resilient community with a strong sense of identity and accountability. We’re looking for a reporter who will be able to juggle a full plate as they will be expected to move quickly on breaking news, keep a pulse on local government happenings and dig into big crime and Butte’s court system.

Requirements

Ambitious, watchdog-minded reporter
Ability to juggle a full plate
Ability to move quickly on breaking news
Ability to keep a pulse on local government happenings
Ability to dig into big crime and Butte’s court system
Curiosity
Persistence
Passion for public-service journalism
Ability to analyze public records, budgets and data

Nice To Haves

Experience with SEO
Web-centered headline writing
Video storytelling

Responsibilities

Lead coverage on crime and public safety news, as well as courts and the local justice system.
Report on Butte-Silver Bow local government, public meetings and key policy decisions that shape the community.
Proactively build relationships with sources in law enforcement, courts and government.
Analyze public records, budgets and data.
Pursue accountability reporting that examines public agencies and elected officials.
Develop enterprise and investigative stories.
Provide context and impact to readers through deeper reporting.