General Assignment Reporter

VTDigger • Montpelier, VT

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

This journalist will cover enterprise news around Vermont on a variety of topics, with a special emphasis on economic development and business. When the state Legislature is in session, this reporter will primarily assist with that coverage but also help with other breaking news stories. When the Legislature isn’t in session, this reporter will focus on breaking news stories, economic development and business.

During the legislative session, which generally runs from January through May, this reporter is expected to report in person at the Statehouse as often as four days a week, subject to coverage needs. As part of this coverage of politics and policy, this reporter will look for examples of how Vermont’s government is working well for its citizens and how it is falling short. This reporter will contribute to VTDigger’s award-winning daily legislative newsletter, Final Reading, when the Legislature is in session.

This position involves tracking leads from VTDigger’s tip line, covering state agencies charged with supporting, promoting and regulating businesses, and tackling such topics as Vermont’s broadband deployment, technology, energy industry changes, trade, and more.
The reporter’s general assignment duties will vary widely. The position may evolve over time, based on the newsroom’s needs and the reporter’s interests.

Requirements

• Commitment and dedication to VTDigger’s mission, goals and values
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to accuracy and fairness
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards
• A digital-first mentality and interest in ensuring newsletters serve readers
• Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organization and enhancing a sense of belonging
• Communicative and collaborative across the organization, with employees and with VTDigger’s audiences
• Commitment to continual improvement and learning
• Professional reporting experience
• Ability to meet short deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to cover a beat
• Passion for enterprise and investigative reporting
• Clear understanding of journalism principles, ethics, standards and style
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of state and/or federal legislative processes preferred but not required
• Curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to tackle stories over a range of subjects

Responsibilities

• Writes 3-4 stories a week, plus briefs for newsletters
• Generates compelling pitches and cultivates sources on the beat
• Fulfills story assignments made by editors
• Meets deadlines set in collaboration with editors and works collaboratively through the editing process
• Works with multimedia team to ensure stories include strong visual, data and audio/video elements when possible
• Contributes to legislative coverage, including VTDigger’s Final Reading newsletter
• Reports in-person when possible to establish relationships with sources
• Closely monitors local, state and national media coverage in search of fresh angles on established stories
• Places public records requests and seeks out investigative pieces
• Communicates professionally with sources, readers and colleagues
• Attends and participates in newsroom, all-staff and, as needed, cross-functional team meetings
• Attends VTDigger events, as needed

Benefits

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• VTDigger does not provide visa sponsorship.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed