General Assignment Reporter

About the Role

This journalist will cover breaking news around Vermont. When the state Legislature is in session, this reporter will primarily assist with that coverage but also help with other breaking news stories. When the Legislature isn’t in session, this reporter will focus on breaking news stories around Vermont. 

During the legislative session, which generally runs from January through May, this reporter is expected to report in person at the Statehouse as often as five days a week, subject to coverage needs. As part of this coverage of politics and policy, this reporter will look for examples of how Vermont’s government is working well for its citizens and how it is falling short. This reporter will contribute to VTDigger’s award-winning daily legislative newsletter, Final Reading, when the Legislature is in session. 

This position involves tracking leads from VTDigger’s tip line, covering state agencies charged with supporting, promoting and regulating businesses, and localizing changes to federal policy; contributing to Statehouse coverage; and tackling such topics as Vermont’s workforce shortage, aging population and broadband deployment. 

The reporter’s general assignment duties will vary widely. The position may evolve over time, based on the newsroom’s needs and the reporter’s interests. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Writes 3-4 stories a week, plus briefs for newsletters
• Generates compelling pitches and cultivates sources on the beat 
• Fulfills story assignments made by editors
• Meets deadlines set in collaboration with editors and works collaboratively through the editing process
• Works with multimedia team to ensure stories include strong visual, data and audio/video elements when possible

• Contributes to legislative coverage, including VTDigger’s Final Reading newsletter
• Reports in-person when possible to establish relationships with sources
• Closely monitors local, state and national media coverage in search of fresh angles on established stories

• Places public records requests and seeks out investigative pieces
• Communicates professionally with sources, readers and colleagues
• Attends and participates in newsroom, all-staff and, as needed, cross-functional team meetings
• Attends VTDigger events, as needed

Position Requirements

• Commitment and dedication to VTDigger’s mission, goals and values
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to accuracy and fairness
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards
• A digital-first mentality and interest in ensuring newsletters serve readers
• Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organization and enhancing a sense of belonging
• Communicative and collaborative across the organization, with employees and with VTDigger’s audiences
• Commitment to continual improvement and learning

Skills and Experience

• Professional reporting experience
• Ability to meet short deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to cover a beat
• Passion for enterprise and investigative reporting
• Clear understanding of journalism principles, ethics, standards and style
• Knowledge of state and/or federal legislative processes preferred but not required
• Curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to tackle stories over a range of subjects

Working Conditions

Our office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. This reporter is expected to come into the office at least two days per week, and report in person, around the state and, during the legislative session, from the Vermont Statehouse. This reporter must work from Vermont.

Hours

Reporters typically work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but exact hours will vary based on news needs. This reporter may occasionally cover events at night and over the weekend, in consultation with their editor.

Physical Demands

Work involves accomplishing most duties from a seated or standing position. This position may involve frequent bending, standing for extended periods of time, walking and working in all types of weather conditions. Transportation to assignments around the region, conducting in-person interviews and attending public meetings are necessary. There is potential for eye strain from reading detailed materials on a computer screen. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer. VTDigger does not provide visa sponsorship.