Job Description
If you're driven to uncover stories that matter, hold institutions accountable and help readers better understand the place they call home, AL.com has an exciting opportunity for you.
We're looking for an ambitious, audience-focused reporter to cover Alabama politics and, as needed, the Montgomery metro area.
The entire state government is about to undergo a major transformation with a new governor, a new U.S. Senator and newly elected officials in many of the state’s highest offices who will seek to implement policies that will affect all residents. However, while Alabama government is dominated by Republican officials, seldom does anything happen without a pitched battle between factions, backroom deals, legal setbacks and surprising consequences.
The successful candidate will have the opportunity to become the authority on what is happening inside the new government and why, develop new sources and become a trusted voice that translates complex developments into compelling journalism. Alabama government is often a testing ground for conservative policy and Montgomery regularly yields stories that go national, or even international, as healthcare policy brought the United Nations to rural Alabama and recent changes in death penalty earned the attention of the Vatican.
This reporter should be curious, competitive, collaborative and eager to build meaningful relationships throughout the community. Join our award-winning newsroom, home to three Pulitzer Prizes in the last five years.
The base salary range is $48,000 to $65,000 per year, depending on experience.
The reporter will be responsible for:
- Covering breaking news out of state government and digging deeper into the ways the new administration plans to reshape everything from taxes to schools, healthcare to food stamps, and the economy to prisons.
- Covering the issues that matter most to residents across Alabama, including government accountability, growth and development, public safety, and quality of life.
- Producing a mix of breaking news, enterprise stories and accountability journalism.
- Using audience metrics and analytics to inform story selection and better understand reader interests.
- Collaborating with colleagues to experiment with storytelling approaches and digital formats to better engage readers.
- Cultivating a diverse network of sources that reflects the communities we serve.
- Developing coverage that grows digital subscriptions.
To be successful in this role, you'll have:
- A degree in journalism, communications or a related field, or equivalent education and experience.
- At least three years of professional journalism experience with a demonstrated ability to produce clear, compelling and accurate reporting.
- Strong news judgment and interest in national political news
- The ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting daily deadlines.
- Strong interviewing, source-building and storytelling skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively
- Experience with photography, video and social media is highly desirable.
- Experience obtaining and analyzing public records is a plus.
- Adaptability in a rapidly evolving digital newsroom.
- Reliable transportation to meet with sources and cover events throughout the state.
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