Freelance Reporter, Content Producer

Role Overview

• Produce approximately 3–4 pieces of original, social‑first reporting per week on assigned topics related to state and local politics, policy, and civic life, across a variety of states.
• Develop and pitch story ideas that align with COURIER’s pro‑democracy, impact‑driven narratives and with the editorial priorities of relevant state newsrooms.
• Report and write clear, accurate, engaging stories, including explainers, accountability pieces, and human‑centered features for news-averse audiences.
• Conduct research, interviews, and fact‑checking, including outreach to impacted community members, subject‑matter experts, elected officials, candidates, and advocates.
• Create social content—including graphics, captions, and short‑form video—using COURIER’s creative platforms.
• Produce presenter‑led videos featuring the consultant as on‑camera talent, tailored to social platforms.
• Final review with editorial leads on assigned work to incorporate feedback in deliverables.
• Contribute to basic documentation of work, including logging stories and content when published.
• Use basic collaboration platforms such as Google Drive to receive assignments, share drafts, and deliver final work product.
• The weekly mix of services and assignments will be set with COURIER and may be adjusted by mutual agreement during the engagement.

Requirements

• Has substantial experience as a reporter, ideally in political or public‑affairs journalism, with familiarity with state‑level politics in more than one region.
• Is comfortable generating original story ideas, interviewing sources, and translating complex policies into clear coverage for largely news-averse social media–based audiences.
• Is comfortable on camera and adept at adapting stories into short‑form video and other social‑friendly formats.
• Can reliably deliver multiple pieces of high‑quality reporting each week in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven environment.
• Is values‑driven and aligned with COURIER’s mission; experience with campaign‑style content is a plus.