Politico Pro is looking for a versatile beat reporter to dig into the politics and policy of agriculture.
This is one of the most dynamic and exciting policy areas in Washington — nothing less than the food we eat and the future of the world’s food supply is at stake. It is an ideal job for someone interested in breaking news on Trump administration policy, the farm bill, food tech, Big Ag companies’ lobbying efforts and the challenges faced by the American farmer.
You may have to go deep into pesticide exposure risks one day and explain government regulation over the meatpacking sector the next.
You should be someone who is never content with just getting a canned quote and never satisfied with conventional wisdom or a politician’s non-answers.
What You’ll Have:
- Writing chops: The ability to write fast and analytically is a must. Flair and style are required; people should want to pay to read your writing.
- Initiative and integrity: The ability to develop a network of sources both in and out of Washington is necessary, and you should be comfortable playing an important role in engaging on social media. You should write with authority and never with bias or opinion, and you should understand the difference. You should demonstrate the core journalistic values of integrity and compassion.
- Versatility: Our best journalists produce a smart, savvy blend of scoops, analysis and smart aggregation. They also write breaking news items and can naturally turn leads or quick hits into deeper-dive pieces when the news warrants.
- Team spirit: You must be able to work as part of a team and collaborate on beat coverage and in-depth pieces. You will be paired with reporters who cover all aspects of farm and food policy and editors who will give your stories shape and polish. You will also be expected to contribute original items to our daily newsletter to give readers the news behind the news
What You’ll Need:
- At least three-plus years of professional journalism experience covering a daily beat is required.
- Journalistic experience in covering the farm bill, federal policy and/or agribusiness is helpful but not essential.
- Experience with contributing to or writing newsletters is a plus.
- This is an ideal position for a journalist who wants to develop from a beat reporter into a policy-scoop machine.
To apply:
Please send a resume, a cover letter summarizing your interest and qualifications for the beat, and five writing samples (web links are fine).
To apply, go here.
Chris RoushChris Roush was the dean of the School of Communications at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut. He was previously Walter E. Hussman Sr. Distinguished Professor in business journalism at UNC-Chapel Hill. He is a former business journalist for Bloomberg News, Businessweek, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, The Tampa Tribune and the Sarasota Herald-Tribune. He is the author of the leading business reporting textbook "Show me the Money: Writing Business and Economics Stories for Mass Communication" and "Thinking Things Over," a biography of former Wall Street Journal editor Vermont Royster.