Race and Democracy Reporter

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks an enterprising reporter to join the AP’s politics, elections and democracy reporting team, exploring the intersection of race, national politics and democracy. This job comes with an expansive assignment to help improve the storytelling of AP journalists who cover democracy and elections in the United States. Your work will serve a global audience with the goal of combatting misinformation and misunderstanding about and within the American democracy. This is a two-year grant-funded position with an opportunity to extend.

This is a staff position covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities:
We’re looking for an aggressive reporter eager to tell stories about the influence of race in U.S. elections, politics and democracy, one of the most important topics of our time. You will report to the deputy Washington bureau chief for politics and have the skills to produce fast spot news coverage along with more deeply reported thematic enterprise. You’re a broad thinker who is well versed in everything from immigration policy and voting laws to the crime debate and presidential politics, and at ease interviewing voters in communities across the U.S., covering political rallies and embedding on presidential and congressional campaigns. You are passionate about producing distinctive journalism that reveals the impact of race and racism in U.S. politics on real people, with a particular focus on ensuring the voices of Black and Latino people are reflected in our coverage.

We’re looking for someone who will:
work effectively as part of a team of reporters and editors across formats to deliver spot news and enterprise that breaks news and has impact.
demonstrate strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share, like and talk about on social media and other platforms.
pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

Qualifications:
You must be able to explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways and do so swiftly and accurately. You combine data, sourced reporting and original interviews with voters, strategists, activists and politicians to produce compelling coverage, and are comfortable working with polling, data sets, freedom of information requests and in-person interviews at the national, state and community levels. Occasional travel is expected, and you must be able and willing to work at night and on weekends, as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation. Spanish language skills are a distinct advantage. This journalist will work closely with the AP’s Race and Ethnicity team as well as with journalists in Washington and across the country.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Other qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least three years of full-time work as an editor, reporter or social media producer at a daily newspaper, broadcast station, online or digital news outlet or AP bureau.
All applicants must be able to work in the U.S. or be able to gain permission to do so.
Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary between $46,047 and $80,714 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application Deadline: August 11, 2023 @ 11:59 PM ET

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.