Statehouse Reporter

Job Title: Statehouse Reporter

Location: Columbus, Ohio

Company: Gongwer News Service | State Affairs

About Us: Gongwer News Service has been a trusted source for accurate and reliable news about Ohio politics and policy for over a century. As a long-standing institution in Columbus, Gongwer is the go-to place for in-depth coverage of Ohio government, providing essential information to policymakers, elected officials, leaders and engaged citizens. Our commitment to journalistic excellence and our reputation for delivering timely, comprehensive news make us a cornerstone in the world of government and political reporting.

As part of the rapidly growing State Affairs network, Gongwer equips our newsroom and subscribers with state-of-the-art legislative tracking and intelligence tools—giving our journalists the modern technical backing to work smarter, access information faster, and deliver high-impact Statehouse coverage.

Job Description: We are seeking a Statehouse Reporter with a passion for Ohio policy and a dedication to delivering high-quality news. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of Ohio’s political and government landscape, a track record of producing accurate and reliable journalism, and the ability to break down complex policy issues for our readers. This role is pivotal in maintaining Gongwer's status as the leading source of news about Ohio government.

As a Statehouse Reporter, you will be expected to write multiple articles per day, covering a wide range of topics. Your reporting will drive our daily news coverage and leverage State Affairs' tools to deliver critical, high-level policy intelligence to insiders. You will be part of a collaborative team that values integrity, accuracy, and the importance of keeping the public informed.

Additionally, you will have the opportunity to collaborate with journalists, editors and leaders at State Affairs, further expanding the impact of your reporting on a national scale.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver well researched, accurate, and engaging stories on Ohio politics and policy — ranging from fast-turnaround daily and breaking news coverage to deeper enterprise analysis and policy breakdowns.
• Monitor developments in Ohio government, including legislative actions, executive decisions, and regulatory changes.
• Develop and maintain relationships with key sources within Ohio’s political and governmental landscape.
• Use cutting-edge data tools to identify emerging policy trends, adding critical context, analysis, and behind-the-scenes insight for subscribers.
• Collaborate with editors, other reporters, and State Affairs partners to maintain high journalistic standards and produce multi-state projects.

 Qualifications:

• Minimum of 3 years of reporting experience, with a focus on politics and policy preferred.
• Strong understanding of Ohio’s political system and government operations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and research skills.
• Proven ability to produce accurate, reliable news under tight deadlines.
• Ability to distill complex policy issues into clear, accessible reporting.
• Experience with digital journalism and multimedia content is a plus.

 What We Offer:

• Stability and the opportunity to be part of a respected, long-running news organization.
• The ability to collaborate with a growing national news network, expanding your reach and impact.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• A supportive work environment that values accuracy, reliability, and journalistic integrity.
• The chance to make a meaningful impact by informing the public and contributing to the political discourse in Ohio.

Equal Opportunity Employment: Gongwer News Service is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.

How to Apply: Interested candidates should submit a resume, cover letter, and three writing samples showcasing your best reporting to [email protected]. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.