Politics and Policy Reporter

Our Politics and Policy Reporter focuses on statewide political leadership, policy and impact, covering the key policy issues that shape the lives of Floridians. This beat demands a quick, decisive journalist who can break major stories and track their aftermath, from immediate reactions to long-term consequences. Often relying on public records, data and scoops from sources, this reporter is able to deliver timely, relevant and impactful journalism that keeps us ahead of the competition. This journalist also provides thoughtful analysis that explores the impact of policy on citizens from USA TODAY NETWORK communities and population centers like Miami, Orlando and Tampa. This position includes a mix of daily, enterprise To The Point and video stories that best tell the story as appropriate.

How is this position different from Government Impact Reporter? Government Impact Reporter breaks down impact of national and state decisions to local level at a personal level. The Politics and Policy Reporter focuses on state policy shaping Floridian's quality of life.

Key Responsibilities

• Break major political and policy stories impacting the state, with a focus on the governor and primary political leaders.
• Balance urgency and relevance by staying ahead of breaking news while pursuing stories through their full cycle: initial development, public reaction, policy implementation and eventual outcomes.
• Develop in-depth timelines, profiles and explainers that trace political leaders' evolving stances on critical issues (e.g., mapping changes in the governor's position on vaccine mandates).
• Engage with sources across the political spectrum, including elected officials, policy experts, advocacy groups, and everyday Floridians, to provide balanced and insightful coverage.
• Monitor legislative developments, executive actions, and regulatory changes at the state level, and contextualize them for a broad audience.
• Contribute to live coverage during elections, legislative sessions and major policy debates.
• While this beat is responsible for providing publish-ready content that is of use to every newsroom in the state, it also provides opportunities for unique localization by individual newsrooms.
• Work collaboratively with other reporters throughout the Florida Network to explore the wide-ranging effects of political decisions. For example, if a new vaccine policy is announced, break the story first, then work with relevant beat reporters to analyze its impact on families, schools and the greater community.
• Create videos that explain critical issues in an engaging way.
• Facilitate and participate in interactive discussions to surface real concerns and answer pressing questions.
• Use audience engagement and feedback to shape future coverage and respond to emerging needs.
• Uphold the highest standards of journalistic integrity, accuracy and impartiality.

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, political science, public policy or a related field.
• At least 2-3 years of experience reporting on politics, government or policy (Florida experience preferred).
• Proven ability to break news, write quickly and accurately, and develop longer-term analytical pieces.
• Strong understanding of Florida's political landscape and key policy debates.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative newsroom team.
• Video storytelling experience

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.