State Politics Reporter

Job Description

Cascade PBS’s mission is to inform and inspire our community to make the world a better place.

Our vision is to be the most essential and relevant media organization in the region.

Provide informed, insightful coverage of state government as it impacts citizens throughout the state; deliver a steady stream of clear, concise, conversational stories that inform, entertain and result in a more informed electorate while demonstrating Cascade PBS’s values of integrity, community, innovation and diversity. Create and execute deep dive, investigative projects that fulfill Cascade PBS’s government watchdog mission. 

Cascade PBS is committed to building a team that represents a diversity of thought, experience and personal background. Our organization serves a diverse community, in terms of ethnicity, class, culture, language, sexual orientation and disabilities and we are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion amongst our staff population. We encourage everyone interested in this role to apply even if you don’t meet all the requirements. 

Hourly rate:  $29.74-$32.21

Location: This position will report from Olympia, with ability to make trips to the Seattle office from time to time

Cascade PBS offers competitive benefits to team members working 20 hours or more a week.

Benefits include:

• 11 paid holidays
• 1 personal holiday
• 4 weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO) to start
• Half-day Fridays during Summer
• Company-matched 401(k) Retirement Plan that is fully-vested immediately
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Medical
• Dental 
• Vision

Job Requirements

KEY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide comprehensive coverage of both legislative and electoral politics, balancing coverage from within the capitol with the reality in the streets, on the ground.
• Spend focused time each week and each month filing public records requests, exploring big picture issues and digging into investigative projects, to produce one or two big projects or series each year.
• Mentor student intern covering the Legislature. 
• Mentor other members of the news team as journalists and help them connect with government sources, data and public records.
• Develop a network of contacts at the capitol and in the community that can help identify stories that are not being covered by other media outlets, with an emphasis on equity.
• Report on Seattle city and national politics when needed. 
• Deliver 1-2 reported stories each week that meet journalistic and organizational standards for fairness, thoroughness and quality.
• Collaborate with video and podcast producers to weave more multimedia into Cascade PBS’s articles, and to assist them in turning our stories into TV programming.
• Serve as a Cascade PBS representative in planning and attending community events and working with partner organizations.
• Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Demonstrated ability to digest complex information and communicate in  it in a way that is engaging and understandable to a broad audience 
• Excellent writing and reporting skills. 
• Ability to collect, quickly digest and analyze government documents  and emails to write about official actions in an insightful and fair manner.
• Interest in public policy a must; familiarity with Washington, Seattle  or other city government a plus.
• Highest integrity and commitment to journalistic standards.
• Diligence in pursuing information, interviews and public records  requests.
• Pathological attention to detail.
• Familiarity with collecting, analyzing and presenting data.
• Ability to manage complex, longer-term writing projects while maintaining  beat coverage.
• Photo and multimedia skills desirable.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism or related field or equivalent  experience required.
• Five years of experience in daily journalism. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to view data on a computer screen for long periods of time.
• Ability to type on a keyboard for long periods of time.
• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Must have a valid driver’s license or reliable means of transportation  to meet requirements of the job.

Cascade PBS is committed to building a team that represents a diversity of thought, experience and personal background. Our organization serves a diverse community, in terms of ethnicity, class, culture, language, sexual orientation and disabilities and we are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion amongst our staff population. We encourage everyone interested in this role to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. 

The hiring process for this role will include a phone screen and a virtual or in-person panel interview. In some instances, additional panel interviews may take place. If you need reasonable accommodation during the job application or interview process, please contact us at jobs@kcts9.org.  

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