The Texas Tribune, the state’s go-to source for Texas politics and public policy news, is hiring two ambitious and enterprising reporters to join our politics team. 

As we consider candidates to fill this pair of openings, we are interested in hearing from reporters of varying experience levels who may employ different approaches to covering politics. 

We are seeking reporters who are obsessed with Texas politics, accountability reporting and watchdogging our state’s elected officials. We also want to talk to reporters who are interested in writing smart analysis about political and voting trends, probing investigations into our state agencies and soaring profiles that bring the colorful personalities of Texas newsmakers to life.

We value revelatory reporting and want our reporters to be building sources and breaking stories about the state’s top elected officials. These reporters should get to know the campaign consultants, local party officials, grassroots volunteers, influential donors, lobbyists and activists who shape politics in this state. They will be part of a team that covers some of the most powerful leaders in Texas, reporting on the action, inaction and impact of the governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and other state officials. They will help lead our coverage of Texas’ legislative, congressional and statewide elections. When the Legislature is in session, these reporters will be core members of our Capitol coverage — writing about the fighting, jockeying and deal-making that happens behind the scenes.

With these jobs we hope to illuminate important questions in our politics: What does the rightward shift of Texas’ Latino voters mean for the future of the state’s political landscape? How are Texas’ conservative leaders and lawmakers setting the tone for other GOP-controlled legislatures around the country? How are Texas Democrats fighting to break out of the wilderness and establish themselves as a competitive opposition party? We want a reporter who is eager to pitch stories and to travel around the state to help readers understand these issues.

Our politics reporters are frequent guests on local and national television, radio and podcasts. They sometimes moderate debates or host Texas Tribune live interviews and events. Collaborating with our audience team is essential to ensure that our journalism reaches a wide and engaged readership beyond our website. This involves promoting stories on social media platforms, creating scripts for social videos, and participating in various off-platform initiatives such as newsletters and podcasts. 

We expect to hire two reporters of different experience levels. The minimum for an entry-level politics reporter is $64,000, but we are also seeking more senior-level reporters and the salaries will vary depending on qualifications and experience. 

Responsibilities

• Write accurate, clear and well-reported stories on deadline
• Identify and pitch stories on key Texas political and policy topics
• Balance news coverage with deeply reported enterprise stories
• Work with other reporters throughout the newsroom on various assignments
• Occasional travel and work on nights, weekends and holidays
• Collaborate with visual, data and audience teams for storytelling
• Occasionally moderate live panels with newsmakers for our events

Qualifications

• BA/BS degree
• 5+ years of relevant experience OR equivalent combination of education and relevant experience is preferred
• A passion and talent for jumping on quick-turn enterprise writing
• A demonstrated ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines
• A deep commitment to and enthusiasm for both breaking news and enterprise reporting
• A clear desire and proven ability to collaborate with other colleagues across the organization
• A strong sense and devotion to journalistic ethics and libel law.
• Strong communication and storytelling skills using AP style and ability to research and fact-check information on your own using excellent writing, reviewing, and editing skills
• Spanish-language skills are preferred

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.

Location

These positions are based in Austin. The Texas Tribune office is located in downtown Austin, steps away from the Texas Capitol.

Benefits

This job is full time and has 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
• Support for professional training and attending industry conferences
• Remote working flexibility

How to Apply

Submit your application here by April 7 with a resume, examples of your work and a cover letter detailing your vision and how you would approach the work. We can't wait to hear from you.

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.

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. We believe we can meet the demands of our audience and our own expectations for excellence without breaking the bank — or our staff. We understand not everything is a story for us — we have to make choices — but we’re always looking to expand our boundaries. 

We’re nonprofit because the challenging economic reality for 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. We don’t need to be yet another source of information affirming the voices and perspectives that are already in people’s heads. At the same time, nonpartisan is not non-thinking. We call B.S. when B.S. needs to be called.

The Texas Tribune seeks to ensure that its newsroom and its news coverage reflect Texas by including a wide range of perspectives from people of different backgrounds, ideologies and experiences.

 Learn more about The Texas Tribune here.

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.

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