Capital B is a national and local nonprofit news organization that serves Black communities across the country. We’re hiring a reporter to cover government and politics in Gary, Indiana, as part of our second local newsroom, Capital B Gary.
The reporter will cover major spending plans, important legislation, and elections as they affect Gary’s Black residents, with a primary focus on public safety and leadership accountability. It’s crucial for the reporter to possess or quickly acquire a deep understanding of Gary’s political landscape and history to provide essential context, enabling residents to fully grasp how local issues impact their lives and communities.
We’re looking for a reporter who shares our mission of producing excellent civic journalism, engaging communities to build trust, and fighting misinformation. We need a watchdog-minded journalist who asks tough questions to hold public officials and government agencies accountable. Most importantly, we want someone who actively listens to Black people affected by the issues they cover, drawing inspiration for stories from their perspectives.
This position reports to the Capital B Gary editor.
LOCATION: Gary, Indiana.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Build community relationships, prioritizing connections with local residents
- Write a variety of news articles, including analysis, explainers, features, and investigative stories
- Attend public meetings and community events related to your beat.
- Grow expertise in subjects tied to your beat through research, expert sources, and trainings
- Learn historical context and key issues relevant to your beat
- Contribute to partnerships and special projects
- Participate in audience initiatives that support the Gary newsroom and the overall Capital B brand. This may involve live events, community outreach, and story promotion
- Collaborate with the Gary editor and the community engagement editor to shape beat coverage based on community information needs, your own news judgment, and Capital B’s local strategy
What you’ll bring:
- Minimum 4 years of reporting experience
- Passion for on-the-ground reporting and immersing in the community
- An extreme audience focus — Capital B’s work is not for industry peers or awards committees, although it’s a plus if they like it!
- Familiarity and affinity for Black communities in Northwest Indiana
- Expertise in local government and politics
- Understanding of how systems impact policy, governance, culture, and racial inequity, and awareness of key issues driving social movements
- Watchdog reporting skills, including public records requests, data analysis, and fact-checking
- Strong news judgment and ability to pitch compelling stories
- Excellent research, interviewing, and storytelling abilities
- Proficiency in AP style and grammar
- Clear, concise, and engaging writing that is accessible to readers
- Dedication to ethical, honest, accurate, and fair reporting standards
ANNUAL SALARY: $75,000-$85,000
Please submit your resume, links to three writing examples, and a brief cover letter explaining why you’re a good pick for this role by Aug. 4.
Capital B is open to candidates with a diversity of experience, and we know that some very strong candidates won’t have all the qualifications we list. Don’t be shy — apply!
For further information click here.
