Politics & Policy Reporter

Crain Communications•Work From Home DC, VA

2d•$70,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Modern Healthcare is seeking an enterprising journalist to cover policy and politics that affect the healthcare sector for an audience that expects sharp reporting, clear analysis and real authority. This role sits at the center of our newsroom’s mission to break news, interpret complex developments and deliver journalism that moves conversations in the industries we cover. The policy and politics reporter will track developments on Capitol Hill and the states and follow how policy affects the business of healthcare. The reporter will be expected to break news from Congress and build sources among lawmakers, aides and lobbyists. This beat demands someone who can build strong source networks, develop original story ideas and spot the signal in the noise across a rapidly changing landscape. You’ll report fast, write cleanly and balance breaking coverage with deeper enterprise and analysis in formats including narrative stories, explainers and Q&A interviews. The reporter must be adept at working with colleagues to conceive multimedia presentations such as data visualizations. We are a digital-first newsroom. You’ll publish throughout the day, contribute to newsletters, use analytics to understand audience behavior and collaborate across teams to shape coverage that resonates with the people who rely on us most. This is a fast-paced role that requires initiative, accountability and a collaborative mindset. You’ll succeed by developing a strong command of your beat, maintaining steady communication with editors and consistently delivering reporting that stands out in a competitive news environment. This role uses modern digital and AI tools to accelerate research and reporting, but fundamentally relies on your judgment, sourcing and storytelling.

Requirements

Degree in journalism or a related field or equivalent experience.
3+ years of reporting experience.
Proven ability to break news and develop reliable sources.
Ability to write clean, concise, accurate copy on tight deadlines.
Strong news judgment and curiosity, with the ability to “see the story” in complex material.
Comfort operating in a digital-first environment and juggling multiple stories, updating as news evolves and collaborating with editors in real time.
Ability to interpret data, financial documents, legislation, research and regulatory filings relevant to the beat.
Comfort using digital tools including analytics platforms, research databases and AI-enabled search or transcription tools to support reporting and source development.
Skill in generating enterprise ideas that illuminate trends and add depth beyond the headlines.

Nice To Haves

Experience covering healthcare, politics, Congress or related topics.
Experience with newsletters, audience analytics, multimedia and/or event participation.
A track record of stories that demonstrate both speed and depth.

Responsibilities

Break news and deliver scoops on healthcare policy and politics, with an emphasis on Congress but an eye on state and local policymaking.
Collaborate with teammates covering healthcare regulation, healthcare providers and suppliers and health insurance companies.
Report and write quick-turn stories, longer enterprise pieces and analytical coverage.
Develop deep source relationships across key stakeholders.
Track data, filings, market movements and industry shifts to surface stories before competitors do.
Pitch ideas that reflect audience needs and anticipate how the story will evolve.
Collaborate with editors, audience teams and colleagues across the newsroom.
Contribute to newsletters, social media promotion and digital publishing workflows.
Participate in Modern Healthcare events, panels, podcasts, award programs as needed.
Stay attuned to trends, innovations and forces reshaping the healthcare business