Statehouse Politics Reporter

Description: Montana Free Press (MTFP) is seeking a Statehouse Politics Reporter to join our ambitious, accountability-oriented newsroom. This reporter will cover the inner workings of Montana state government, including the governor’s office and the state legislature, with a special focus on health care, the state budget and hot-button policy debates. In collaboration with MTFP’s broader team of reporters across the state, this reporter will focus on producing daily and weekly coverage of current events and news developments, long-term investigations and enterprise reporting that help readers make sense of money, influence and power in the state’s political landscape. The ideal candidate will frequently publish journalism across multiple platforms and media formats, including MTFP’s website, newsletters and social media, with a core beat focused on politics, partisanship and power, while also pursuing longer-term investigations. MTFP has a strong preference that the successful candidate be based in Helena and reside there full-time during the work weeks of the biennial legislative session. We will consider remote candidates currently based in Montana, and will give preference to those who live within a two-hour driving distance of the state capital. Principal Duties and Responsibilities:

• Report daily, weekly and enterprise stories on Montana state politics, campaigns, elections, elected and appointed officials, and partisan strategy
• Cover legislative sessions and high-stakes policy debates on topics and issues including health care, human services, education and the state budget with precision and expertise 
• Pursue long-term investigative projects that expose abuses of power, illuminate political allegiances and outcomes of state policy
• Work collaboratively with editors and team members across the Local, State and Environmental desks to support special projects and cross-platform storytelling
• Ensure all stories are delivered with clarity, accuracy and rich context for Montana readers
Minimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• At least 5 years of professional experience covering politics or government, or 7 years in other reporting roles
• Firm grasp of electoral politics, Montana’s branches of government, campaign finance systems and the function of state legislatures
• Strong research, interviewing, fact-checking and writing skills
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Eagerness to develop and share reporting via short-form video and audio formats
• Comfort with records requests, data analysis and source cultivation
• Familiarity with the needs and perspectives of diverse communities and readers
Preferred Skills (Nice to Have):
• Experience with podcasting, video, or photography
• Familiarity with publishing tools and CMS platforms
• Interest in multimedia storytelling and cross-platform content creation
Please use MTFP’s online hiring portal here , Gusto, to upload a resume, work samples (including available audio and video clips) and a brief statement about your interest in and qualifications for this role. The position is open until filled. MTFP values a strong, dynamic newsroom and is committed to offering competitive salaries and benefits. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring curiosity, dedication, and a drive to succeed. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, contribute and make an impact — there’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you. Statement of Ethics: For more information about Montana Free Press and our mission, visit our website at montanafreepress.org . To read our ethics policy, visit: