Job Description

CalMatters is looking for a dynamic political reporter who is versed in California’s unique politics, knows the people and players who are influencing policy and can explain clearly why it matters to Californians.

This reporter will be based in Sacramento and have a deep understanding of the people and groups that hold sway in the state capital. We want people as passionate about accountability reporting and storytelling as they are about the stories dominating the agenda. 

This reporter will also work with our Digital Democracy database, which uses cutting edge technology to get data insights and AI-generated tip sheets that guide journalists to exclusive story ideas.

Our core coverage revolves around politics, education, environment, health, criminal justice, technology and equity.

We are looking for someone who has several, but not necessarily all, of these skills:

• Several years of experience reporting on politics and policy, preferably covering California.
• Expertise translating complex government policies into interesting stories that help people better understand what is happening in the state Legislature.
• A track record of accountability reporting.
• Telling stories on multiple platforms, including our website, radio, television and newsletters.
• Being collaborative, curious and creative in your approach to stories and in working with other reporters.

The ability to report and write in Spanish or another language spoken widely in California  is a plus.

Compensation And Benefits

The salary range for this position is $75,000 to $90,000 per year; higher compensation may be available for someone with advanced skills and/or experience.

CalMatters offers a complete benefits package with medical, dental and vision insurance – we cover 95% of the cost for employees and their dependents – from a range of HMO and PPO providers. We’ll match contributions of up to 2% of your salary to our 401(k) program and provide life insurance at no cost.

This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with the Pacific Media Workers Guild.

How To Apply

We are a collaborative newsroom, successfully forging a new model for sustainable, intelligent, nonprofit journalism. We’re committed to reflecting the people of the state we serve and especially encourage members of underrepresented communities to apply. If you’re interested, please provide a resume, work samples and a cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job.

If you have trouble with this form or prefer to apply by email, write to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line.

About CalMatters

CalMatters, is an award-winning nonprofit, nonpartisan news venture dedicated to explaining the policy and politics of America’s biggest state and the world’s fifth largest economy. We produce vivid, original multimedia journalism, data-driven news analyses and watchdog accountability reporting on calmatters.org, and freely distribute our work to more than 250 media partners. Our success metric isn’t clicks — it’s impact. We’ve received the EPPY for Best News Site in the Nation, the American Journalism Online Award for Best Nonprofit News Source in the U.S., and consecutive first-place awards for general excellence among all digital news sources from the California News Publishers Association.

CalMatters is committed to becoming an antiracist organization. We do our best to center justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in all that we do—of which hiring is just one part. We encourage you to ask us about what concrete steps we are taking in service of these ideals. We strongly encourage applicants who are people of color, LGBTQ, and people with disabilities, regardless of national origin, alienage, and/or former incarceration status. A college degree is not required.We have the most diverse major newsroom in the state. Here you’ll be working alongside dozens of experienced journalists in a supportive, collaborative atmosphere.

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