Texas Political Economy Reporter

Political Economy Reporter

The Houston Chronicle is looking for an ambitious political reporter to explore the impact of Texas policies on the state’s economy and the people who live here.

This is a new beat at the Chronicle and will pick up where political coverage often ends — at the rollout of a bill or executive order. The reporter will use data and on-the-ground reporting to uncover who benefits from legislation, such as property tax cuts and economic incentives, and who’s left behind. They will tell the stories of Texans affected by the state’s lagging minimum wage and loose parental leave policies, of businesses propped up by Gov. Greg Abbott’s border security spending and of cities and towns in the crosshairs of the state Legislature’s effort to curb local control. This reporter must be able to expertly translate legislative actions and their economic impact for the everyday Texan.

The reporter will hold lawmakers accountable for unfulfilled promises and take readers behind the scenes on the negotiations around key economic bills. They will be expected to develop deep sourcing in Austin and collaborate with other statehouse reporters, as well as with the Chronicle’s data and visuals teams. They will also help cover congressional and federal news as the need arises.

The role will be based in the statehouse bureau in Austin.

Responsibilities:

• Break news that cuts through the noise, aggressively owning coverage of how Texas policies affect everyday Texans
• Handle both daily breaking news assignments and deliver groundbreaking scoops plus high-level enterprise
• Develop and nurture sources to deliver scoops and high-impact enterprise
• Think differently about the traditional approach to political reporter, e.g. what was once a story could now be a searchable database, newsletter course or interactive map
• Utilize search tools to advance news stories and investigations and own coverage in the places where audiences find information (search, social and newsletters)
• Work collaboratively with editors, reporters, photographers and the audience team to tell impactful stories that attract and retain readers and subscribers
• File and manage records requests

Requirements

• At least three years of reporting experience with proven track record to deliver major scoops, including coverage that uses data, explanatory and investigative skills
• Proven track record of working in a fast-paced breaking news environment
• Experience covering statewide issues in a way that centers audience needs
• Ability to write with clarity and authority
• Proficiency in AP style and grammar
• SEO best practices, including sharp headline writing

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com , along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands. Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston. All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day. Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com. Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

#LI-KR1 #LI-Hybrid