Health Policy Reporter

FiscalNote•Washington, DC

10d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

We are searching for a health care reporter and newsletter writer who will cover topics tied to health care policy legislation, especially the budgets, oversight and pressures on federal health care agencies such as HHS, FDA, CDC, NIH, with particular interest in the lawmakers and congressional committees and lobbyists that influence them. We are looking for a journalist who can break news and write analytical enterprise stories, primarily for government professionals and health care policy experts. You will help write a widely read newsletter, which serves as the gateway to coverage in CQ and Roll Call. We keep our readers informed with news, analysis and legislative tracking on multiple platforms. You will be expected to share your expertise through digital, print, podcasts, videos and webinars.

Requirements

3-5 years of journalism experience covering health care or related topics for a newspaper, magazine, news website or other news outlet
Demonstrated ability in writing and reporting about health care through the lens of Congress and federal agencies.
A Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience.
5 writing samples published in newspapers, news websites, magazines or other news sites.
A timed writing test, a test of congressional knowledge, and an AP style test will be required to advance to interviews with the team.

Nice To Haves

While covering Congress and federal agencies is preferred, we also encourage applicants who have covered state legislatures and other policy-making institutions.
Experience writing for a subscription-based website or publication is helpful.
Experience covering health care as a business or pharmaceuticals is helpful.
A robust list of knowledgeable, reliable sources beyond official spokespeople.
Record of producing unique scoops and compelling news features.
Knack for writing accurately, concisely and engagingly under deadline pressure for multiple news platforms, including digital, print, audio and video under tight deadlines.
A desire to work in a fast-paced environment and ability to stay ahead of the competition.
The skills to analyze data to inform your reporting.
A collaborative and collegial approach to the job.

Responsibilities

Helping write a morning newsletter that will break news, track government policy developments and analyze policy developments.
Pitch and write news stories on your beat for CQ.com and RollCall.com, plus Roll Call print. Stories are a mix of dailies and enterprise.
Cover a wide range of news events, including press conferences, hearings, committee markups, health care developments in the courts, and steps in the federal rule-making process.
Demonstrate expertise or strong interest in health care policy, Congress, the White House, federal agencies and politics.
Share your expertise in sponsored and company events, including webinars for clients and prospects.
Work as part of a collaborative team that supports each other’s work.
Report breaking news from the House and Senate floors and promptly respond to -- and act upon -- newsroom questions or requests for floor information.
Work with editors and other reporters to develop reporting, writing and general news-gathering skills; cultivate relationships with congressional and government agency sources for journalistic and document-sourcing purposes.
In time, contribute ideas about product priorities, data quality and how to improve operations within CQ’s legislative research and analysis department.