News & Politics - Politics and Government Reporter

The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other accolades, we stand as a beacon of journalistic excellence in Minnesota. We are the heart and voice of the North.

Our mission is to build a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities. We're seeking dynamic leaders who are passionate about journalism and democracy to help shape this future. If you are excited about reinventing one of our state's most trusted institutions and leading us into a new era of growth and excellence, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary: Politics and Government Reporter

We are seeking aggressive, enterprising reporters to break news and produce smart enterprise about the people and institutions of state government, and their impact on the lives of Minnesotans. This is a core franchise for the Minnesota Star Tribune and we are looking for reporters who want to help readers understand and care how political power and influence is wielded.

You will succeed by developing strong sourcing and writing with clarity and authority about issues that matter to Minnesotans - from navigating complex policy issues to tracking political campaigns and leaders. We require solid news judgment, skilled writing and an aggressive approach to getting news to our readers quickly, on all channels and platforms. You should have a demonstrated track record of balancing daily news demands while also producing a steady stream of short- and long-term enterprise stories.

Reporters will be based out of our bureau at the State Capitol, but will be encouraged to talk to voters and political leaders across the state. You will collaborate regularly with other members of our Pol/Gov team, including in our Washington, D.C. bureau, as well as journalists throughout the newsroom.

You will:

• Be relentlessly audience centric. Seek out and use data about where our audience is - and where we can reach new audiences - and work to break news and produce enterprise that meets audience needs and interests.
• Be enterprising and entrepreneurial. Our readers most value news and insightful reporting not seen elsewhere. Staying informed about evolving issues and emerging developments - while resisting incremental, turn-of-the screw coverage - will result in stories of interest to statewide and regional audiences.
• Be a watchdog willing to hold government agencies and private interests accountable for how they wield power and influence.
• Collaborate with reporters on the Pol/Gov Team in News & Politics and other departments across the newsroom to determine daily, weekly and ongoing coverage strategies on multiple platforms.
• Collaborate with your editors and the Audience team to build avenues for engagement and amplification of your work and the Minnesota Star Tribune.
• Leverage other mediums, such as audio and video and the camera on your cell phone, to reach wide audiences.
• Meet deadlines on stories from the quick- turn to the long-range.
• Work regularly from the Minnesota Star Tribune's Capitol bureau in St. Paul, with some time in our downtown Minneapolis headquarters.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree in journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience.
• A portfolio of published work demonstrating solid news judgment, deep reporting, engaging writing and comfort with a broad range of topics.
• A solid grasp of data and analysis tools, and state and federal data practices statutes.
• A deep understanding of Minnesota and how it is changing.
• An ability to connect with sources and subjects from diverse backgrounds and include overlooked or ignored viewpoints.
• High standards and a commitment to fairness and accuracy.
• The ability to multitask and juggle priorities on deadline.
• A commitment to using 21st century digital tools, tracking and analyzing online audience trends and building strategies to engage readers.
• Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, track budgets and multitask in a high-pressure environment.
• A commitment to the Minnesota Star Tribune's standards, mission and values, including journalism that reflects the diversity of Minnesota and the Minnesota Star Tribune's audience.

To apply:
Please upload a resume and a memo describing how you would approach covering the governor, Minnesota Legislature and key region, and why you are the best person for the position.

The minimum salary for this position starts at $64,844 a year, based on the A2-scale level in the contract of the Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild. Pay increases with years of experience.

More about The Minnesota Star Tribune

At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we recognize that our employees are our greatest asset, and we are committed to their happiness, growth, and well-being. Here's a snapshot of the exceptional benefits we offer:

• Modern Downtown Office: Enjoy a state-of-the-art workspace with a free fitness center, collaborative center, golf simulator, and a rooftop patio.
• Comprehensive Benefits: Includes commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Wellness & Work-Life Balance: Participate in our wellness program with financial incentives, generous paid time off, flexible holidays, one volunteer day, and two wellness days.
• Financial & Family Support: Benefit from a 401(k) with company match, paid parental and caregiving leave, hybrid work arrangements, and tuition reimbursement.
• Additional Perks: Access to an employee assistance program, pet insurance, flexible spending accounts, and health savings accounts.

Honored in 2023 with Diversity MBA's inaugural Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards, we are proud of our commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Even if you don't meet every single requirement for this role, we encourage you to apply. At The Minnesota Star Tribune, we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.

Questions? Contact Erin Golden, News & Politics Editor, at erin.golden@startribune.com.