Politics Team Senior Correspondent

USA TODAY/usatoday.com, a digital-first news organization, is seeking a Senior Correspondent on the Politics team. The reporter will write with authority on some of the biggest stories of the day, working closely with other members of the team and reporters from across the newsroom and Network. This reporter will bring sources and uniquely USA TODAY story ideas for strong coverage that engages audience. This job is not for an inside-the-Beltway mindset. We value creativity, teamwork and persistence in pursuit of the highest quality journalism.  

The Politics Team Senior Correspondent should be a fast, accurate writer with an instinct for angles that will engage USA TODAY's audience. The correspondent will be writing about, and helming group coverage, on topics that touch on the midterm races and intriguing candidates, national security issues, congressional wranglings and personalities, and major political developments.  

This reporter will find stories that will help show Americans across the country how what is happening in Washington, on the campaign trail, and around the world matters to them.   

We want someone who has excellent news judgment and understands our audience. You can work calmly under tight deadlines, deliver scoops, write quickly, make a lot of phone calls, dig up documents, be creative, think about storytelling on different platforms, and deliver sharp headlines.    

You are also comfortable with live blogs, quick enterprise stories and using best practices on SEO. This person will work regularly with reporters and editors across the USA TODAY Network.   

The ideal Politics Team Senor Correspondent is interested in a little bit of everything and has an insatiable curiosity about the world around them. The position demands initiative, accuracy, urgency and insight.   

This role is remote and can be based anywhere in the US, except for Alaska, Hawaii and Wyoming.  

Responsibilities:   

• Identify and report on top political, congressional and national news stories of the day.  
• Write and report quickly and accurately, doggedly chasing down tips and trying to answer readers’ questions.  
• Nonstop source-building in the federal government, Congress, political campaigns and elsewhere.   
• Collaborate with coworkers to deliver news through stories, video, newsletters, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and other platforms to reach our audience.  
• Use metrics to inform story choices and shape strategies.   

Requirements:   

• Bachelor's or master’s degree in journalism or any other subject or an equivalent combination of education and experience. 
• Minimum of 5 years' reporting/newsroom experience. 
• Able to file quickly and accurately.  
• Strong command of grammar and style.  
• Passionate and enthusiastic about breaking news and finding the next-day enterprise.  
• Comfortable in fluid, fast-moving situations.  
• Understanding of reporting ethics and sourcing.  
• Excel in a fast-paced news environment and understand the digital-first mission.  
• Collaborate well with others, recognizes that teamwork often produces the best story.  
• A knack for juggling multiple ideas and stories that are all at different stages of the reporting and writing process. 
• A storytelling style that is thoughtful, clear and captures audience interest. 

Application Instructions

We are eager to learn more about you and how you fit this role. When you apply, don’t limit your upload to a resume; show us what you’ve done. To do so, put together a single document file that includes the following, in this order: 

1. Your resume – one to two pages.
2. A cover letter that outlines how you would approach the job. 
3. Links to 3-6 online samples of your work. Show us what you’ve produced or had a hand in that best reflects what you can do in your desired role.

It is important that these items be assembled into a single document and uploaded in PDF format. Completing these steps will ensure that your application receives the highest consideration. 

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The annualized base salary for this role will range between $103,000 and $160,938. Base compensation is reflective of many factors, including, but not limited to, the market in which one lives/works, individual education level, skills, certifications and experience. Note: variable compensation is not reflected in these figures and based on the role, may be applicable.