Capitol Impact Reporter

Classification:           Regular/Full-Time/Exempt
Department:              News
Report To:                 Local News Editor
Starting Range:        $70,304 – $80,000

Summary: The Capitol Impact Reporter is an experienced journalist responsible for independently developing, reporting, and producing original coverage of California state government and its impact on the Sacramento region. Rather than focusing on political process, this role focuses on consequences — helping audiences understand how decisions made by state leaders affect their jobs, schools, housing, cost of living, and daily lives. A significant portion of this reporter’s coverage will focus on the Sacramento region’s nearly 100,000 state government employees. The ideal team player consistently asks: What does this mean for the people who live and work in our region? Through original reporting, source development, and enterprise journalism, this position delivers clear, impactful coverage that connects public policy to the communities it serves.
 

Essential Functions

• Independently identifies, develops, prioritizes, and executes original enterprise and breaking news stories covering the California State Capitol as it affects the four-county Sacramento region — Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, and Yolo counties — with a consistent focus on consequences over process.

• Produces regular news stories, features, and explanatory pieces for Abridged, exercising professional editorial judgment in determining story angles, sources, reporting methods, and presentation.

• Evaluates complex legislative, regulatory, budgetary, and workforce-related information and translates findings into clear, accurate, and engaging journalism.

• Develops and maintains a broad network of sources, including elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, labor organizations, policy experts, and community stakeholders.

• Conducts investigative and accountability reporting through interviews, public records requests, data analysis, and independent research.

• Analyzes budgets, agency reports, legislative proposals, and public records to identify trends, impacts, and emerging stories.

• Collaborates with editors, visual journalists, and multimedia staff to develop cross-platform storytelling initiatives.

• Exercises independent judgment while working under general editorial direction.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Must be mission-driven and passionate about the role of public media.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other technology tools relevant to the position.

• Demonstrates clear, effective, and proactive communication.

• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and manage time effectively.

• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders as part of a team.

• Positively and professionally represents PBS KVIE and Abridged throughout the community, and in forums and events related to news and information.

• Leverages AI and technology tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining independent judgment and responsibility for the accuracy, originality, integrity, confidentiality, and quality of all work product, in compliance with organizational policies, journalistic ethics, and professional standards.

• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex public policy, budgetary, labor, and governmental issues, uncover their impact on local communities, and translate those findings into compelling, audience-focused journalism.

• Proficiency in technology and software to enhance efficiency in editing, newsroom management, database organization, and analytics.

• Experience utilizing public records laws, investigative reporting techniques, and data analysis tools.

• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

 
Education/Experience

• BA/BS degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field; equivalent experience considered.

• Minimum 3 – 5 years of professional journalism experience covering government, politics, public policy, labor, business, or related beats.

• Experience covering California state government, public agencies, or legislative affairs preferred.

• Experience with data journalism, public records reporting, and multimedia storytelling preferred.

 
Special Conditions:

• Must have a valid California driver’s license and meet insurance standards.

• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed.

Local travel required. 

Physical Requirements: