The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring an afternoon/evening general assignment reporter to cover breaking news, take on selected topics that our beat writers don’t currently cover, and seek out stories that reflect everyday Texans’ lives. 

This reporter will be a vital member of the Tribune’s breaking news and general assignments team and will take a deeply collaborative approach to working with colleagues across the newsroom.

We’re looking for a journalist with voracious energy, broad curiosity and sharp ideas on how best to present the news of the day or week. Versatility, flexibility and urgency are a must.

The job includes coverage of death row, but also could involve quickly researching an unexpected development coming out of the attorney general’s office; being a key player in our coverage of major news events; assisting beat reporters on quick-turn news analyses; and producing public-interest explainers on diverse topics, such as large-scale crises, proposed legislation and ongoing legal battles. Of course, this reporter will also be expected to help with political and election coverage.

When not working on quick-turn pieces, the afternoon/evening general assignment reporter is expected to pitch and deliver well-reported stories that help drive the news agenda and show a deep understanding of Texas. This reporter should help take ownership of some of the emerging issues in the state. There are many topics for which the Tribune doesn’t have a beat reporter (yet) — the economy, legal affairs, transportation, religion and more. The afternoon/evening general assignment reporter is welcome to dive into those and other issues. 

Their day-to-day and long-term priorities will be informed by the overall news direction and priorities of the Tribune’s newsroom leadership, and they will receive support, coaching and guidance from the news editor, who will be their direct supervisor. 

This reporter will actively participate in the Tribune’s live journalism events and represent the newsroom in broadcast media appearances under the guidance of the marketing communications team.

The salary for this position will vary according to experience; the minimum is $58,000.

Responsibilities:

• Write accurate, clear and well-reported stories on breaking deadlines.
• Identify and pitch stories on various subjects.
• Produce pieces that help Texans understand the news of the day or week.
• Collaborate with other journalists on various breaking or enterprise assignments.
• Occasional travel and work on weekends and holidays

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and one to three years of relevant professional or internship experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• Terrific news judgment and talent for jumping on quick-turn enterprise writing
• A demonstrated ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines
• Impeccable reporting, fact-checking and writing skills with a strong familiarity with journalistic ethics and libel law
• Strong communication and storytelling skills using AP style and ability to research and fact-check information

We know some great candidates won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. The deadline to apply is Oct. 6.

About The Texas Tribune

Here’s what you should know about the Tribune. From day one we’ve had disruption, innovation and risk-taking in our DNA. We’re ambitious as all get out but still have the punch-above-your-weight mentality of a scrappy start-up. Fifteen years ago, The Texas Tribune reinvented the business model for public service journalism. We are always looking to expand our boundaries. 

We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for the media these days obligates us to find a different way, reliable and sustainable, to fund serious journalism. We’re nonpartisan because we live in the United States of Confirmation Bias — and we don’t need to be part of the problem. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.

All of us at the Trib believe the best way to achieve that mission is to resemble the state we cover. We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom for people of all backgrounds and ages, and we’re taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this role, including women, veterans, people of color, LGBTQ+ people and people with disabilities.

Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.

Location

The Tribune’s office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol. This position is based in Austin, but we may consider candidates who are based elsewhere in Texas, depending on their experience working independently and covering a state legislature. Occasional travel to our Austin office would still be required.

Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt position and includes the following benefits:

• Medical, vision and dental insurance
• A cellphone stipend
• 20 days of paid time off each year
• Up to 16 weeks of paid family leave plus four weeks of additional job protection
• 401(k) matching
• Remote working flexibility

How to Apply

Submit your application by Oct. 6. Along with a résumé, please submit five writing clips and a cover letter summarizing how you would approach this job. 

The Texas Tribune is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for all, and we encourage applicants of all identities, backgrounds, ages, and abilities to apply. We can't wait to hear from you.