Staff Reporter

Location: Remote within the US

Daily Kos is the nation’s largest liberal online political community, news organization, and activism hub. We produce news you can do something about. Powered by millions of dedicated activists, we’re transforming media and organizing by empowering regular Americans to reshape politics.

The Staff Reporter works with the Newsroom team, as part of the Content Division, writing about politics through an unapologetically progressive lens to provide readers with information and resources to fight for democracy, win elections, and impact government.

The position may require weekend work.

Responsibilities:

• Identify and pitch multiple stories a day, from quick, short pieces with unique angles on political news of the day as well as longer originally reported stories and analysis 
• Build and maintain relationships with leaders and staff in elected officials’ offices, campaigns, and advocacy organizations
• Contribute to coverage of breaking news and live events, such as election nights and presidential debates
• Help the newsroom track news developments in real time and alert editors to breaking news
• Use video-clipping software such as TVEyes to incorporate video into stories as appropriate
• Work to build a personal brand through an active social media presence
• Other responsibilities as assigned

Experience:

• Must have a minimum of 3+ years of original reporting experience at a digital news outlet, preferably in advocacy journalism, including:
  • Reaching out to sources; 
  • Conducting interviews;
  • A base of existing sources and the skills to grow it;
  • A portfolio of work that demonstrates original and enterprise reporting
• Experience working in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Knowledge of digital best practices, including SEO, headline writing, and metrics

Qualifications:

• Excellent writing skills, with the ability to write clean copy that does not require substantial re-writing
• Knowledge of AP style
• Ability to break down complex policies and processes for a general audience
• Deep understanding of progressive and electoral politics 
• Excellent news judgment
• Strong time management and organizational skills
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Comfortable with a virtual working environment 
• Be tech and internet savvy (we use Google Docs, Slack, Dropbox, Asana, and lots of other tools that make work life easier)