Staff News Writer

The Inlander, a family-owned urban weekly newspaper covering the Inland Northwest, is looking for an ambitious, full-time NEWS WRITER to join its award-winning editorial team. As the region’s thriving newsweekly, our readers depend on us to seek out truth and tell stories that no one else does.Given the nature of weekly publication, the position is more akin to a general assignment reporting job. That said, our writers do focus on certain beats. This position will specifically focus on covering "hard news" beats for the most part, pitching stories from this beat list: Spokane City and County Government (occasionally covering local government issues in Kootenai, Whitman, Stevens, Pend Oreille and other outlying counties), Law and Justice (Courts, Spokane Police, Spokane County Sheriff, North Idaho LE), Growth and Housing, Business and Economy, Social Services and Health Care, Environment, Education, People and Communities - including rural coverage, Elections and Politics, Investigations, Breaking News, and News of the Day/Milestones. We want a writer who knows a good story when they see one, who can write a piece of creative nonfiction filled with scene, characters and tension, and who can find and analyze solutions for our time’s most troubling issues. You’ll also contribute to our schedule of special issues, including Summer Guide, the Election Issue and Give Guide, as well as various culture stories and assignments for other sections as assigned and/or volunteered for.Solid reporting is important in every community, but especially so in the Inland Northwest, which is home to more than 600,000 people and encompasses the urban heart of Spokane and beyond — from Sandpoint and Post Falls/Coeur d’Alene in North Idaho to the Palouse towns of Moscow and Pullman, as well as multiple universities (Gonzaga University, Washington State University, University of Idaho and Eastern Washington University, to name a few).The Inlander’s office is in Kendall Yards, a growing district on the northern edge of downtown Spokane, with views overlooking the Spokane River gorge and front-door access to the Centennial Trail.We want someone who is bursting with ideas and not only eager for large projects, but also geared up for weekly reporting. Finally, we are committed to truth and fairness, and understand the strong grounding that journalistic ethics provide. You must be as well.You will:Pitch and write stories on deadline that our readers will want to read.Have a knack for finding fresh, compelling and surprising stories.Develop and maintain relationships and sources.Be able to juggle multiple tasks and duties in a dynamic environment.Pay tremendous attention to detail, admit mistakes and take responsibility.Be comfortable talking to people from all backgrounds and demographics.Be committed to truth and fairness, and treat all sides of an issue with integrity, respect and empathy.Have excellent news sense and good judgment.Be able to write all manner of stories — from short, newsy briefs to long, immersive narratives.Be curious, critical and compassionate.Ideally, you will have experience in the news business already, with preference for those with 2-3 years of experience. If you think you’re a good fit, please send a cover letter, resume (including the names and numbers for two professional references) and samples of your work to the Inlander’s newsroom leadership team at [email protected]. We are open to journalists at the start of their careers, as well as those already working in the profession; starting compensation depends on experience, but will range from $20 to $25 per hour. Other benefits include access to medical/optical/dental benefits, participation in a Simple savings plan, paid time off and an annual salary/performance review.