Kansas Statehouse Reporter

USA TODAY Co. • Topeka, KS

1d

About The Position

The Topeka Capital-Journal is seeking a Kansas Statehouse reporter to produce exclusive enterprise and daily stories that will resonate locally or across the state.
The right candidate will be able to look beyond the rhetoric and political bluster to report stories that affect the lives of people. This beat offers the opportunity to go out and find the best stories. The right candidate will have a knack for injecting real people into stories about policy. He or she will be able to explain legislative debates to readers with easy-to-understand writing and make them care about laws passed at our state Capitol. Digital journalism will be a priority.
This beat has been known to go deep on stories about economic development policy, environment, social justice, fact-checking lawmakers and politics. The right candidate should be comfortable delivering service journalism stories that are data-driven or 60-second reads that simplify complicated topics.
This reporter is expected to consistently break exclusive news. He or she will identify, produce and post stories, photos and videos quickly and accurately.
The Capital-Journal is one of three newsrooms in Kansas that are part of the USA TODAY network. Content produced by the Kansas Statehouse reporter will appear in those newspapers and on those websites.
The Capital-Journal is committed to diversity and proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Employment is contingent on passing a pre-employment, post-offer drug screen and background check.
Life in Topeka
Topeka is located in Shawnee County (population of 170,000) and is the capital city in Kansas. Topeka is a regional center for health, education, business and sports, and has an active arts and young professionals scene. It crosses the Kansas River, and the area is known for its hiking and outdoor opportunities.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree.
• 2-4 years of daily newsroom experience.
• High-level writing, communication and time management skills.
• Candidates should have facility with AI and automation and experience in using it to enhance their journalism
• Demonstrated ability to work well on deadline.
• A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Research, report and produce compelling content that continuously grows a following by informing and engaging readers.
• Provide thoughtful analysis of complex issues. Produce watchdog journalism that leads to change.
• Use real-time metrics to respond to user demand and reader interest.
• Work with newsroom leaders to shape storytelling to meet audience needs and interests tailored to appropriate platforms.
• Contribute to the community’s greater good through impactful journalism.
• Use video to spotlight breaking news and high-interest events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level