Reporter, West Virginia Watch

Join West Virginia Watch and give readers hard-hitting government coverage that connects state policy to West Virginians’ lives.

West Virginia Watch is an award-winning nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization that covers state government, politics and policy. It is staffed by veteran West Virginia reporters and is dedicated to its mission of journalism that sheds light on how decisions in Charleston affect people across the Mountain State.

Part of States Newsroom, West Virginia Watch believes in empowering journalists to do meaningful, ambitious work.

Based in Charleston, this reporter will possess great news judgment, create compelling, engaging journalism and will collaborate well with other Watch journalists. The reporter will cover the Legislature, state agencies, statewide elections and other assignments. The reporter will produce daily and enterprise stories, take photos and share content on social media. The ideal candidate will also have a strong command of vertical video-based social media and help the Watch’s work to grow our audience on Instagram.

The ideal candidate will know how to track trending topics and hold officials accountable through deep source building and public records requests. The reporting will take readers beyond press releases, press conferences and protests, providing a deeper understanding of the issues.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on issues facing West Virginia
• Generate story ideas with the editor
• Pursue story leads, both self-generated and as assigned, with self-direction and solid news judgment
• Approach assignments on deadline with strong communication and follow through with the editor and colleagues
• Collaborate with other reporters on projects and share research and pertinent knowledge when/if available
• Establish and expand digital media presence representing the outlet and use personal social media to amplify the site’s content, presence and voice
• Take photos and video to illustrate and amplify stories 

QUALIFICATIONS

We’re looking for candidates with at least three years previous news reporting and/or editing experience (student journalism counts), sound news judgment, flexibility and the ability to manage ongoing and short-term projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy. Bilingual candidates are encouraged to apply. States Newsroom journalists are expected to produce at least four posts per week. Candidates should have a vehicle so they can travel throughout the state for reporting.

Authorization to work in the United States is required. At this time, States Newsroom is unable to provide visa sponsorship.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The minimum salary for this position is $55,000. Relocation stipend will be considered. Our generous benefits package includes:

• Premium-free platinum health care for employees (and 75% of medical premiums covered for qualified dependents)
• 4 weeks of vacation per year
• 2 weeks of personal leave per year
• 20 hours of paid volunteer time per year
• 11 paid holidays per year
• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement
• $200 cell phone replacement benefit every two years
• $75 monthly fitness benefit
• 401K with up to 3% match
• 12 weeks of parental leave
• Full-service EAP

ABOUT OUR CULTURE

States Newsroom is dedicated to producing journalism at all levels – from quick hit to investigative – but we also aim to be supportive, welcoming and positive. 

We believe in creating sustainable careers for journalists on the crucial state government beat. States Newsroom’s mission is to connect people to the power that shapes their daily lives through relentless reporting and incisive commentary on state government and policy. Journalism is a powerful force for social change, uniquely suited to challenging systemic inequality and racism. Our goal is to build an organization that fulfills that mission. 

At States Newsroom, we believe we strengthen our work and improve our insights when we incorporate the perspectives of people who come from different backgrounds and have had different experiences. We are committed to diversity and prioritize equity in all recruiting and hiring. We are always working to better represent our communities and are supported in these efforts by a network-wide Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice committee.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, send a cover letter, resume, and at least three links or clips to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Due to the high volume of emails received, we are unable to respond to each applicant individually.