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Women make up more than half of the adults in the U.S., but their representation in state legislatures lags significantly behind, even as states advance policies with outsized impacts on women's lives. State legislative, executive and judicial branches are focused on issues of vital importance to women, including abortion, education, health care, child care, diversity policies, gun violence, climate, gender issues, access to the ballot box and more. Today, women's experiences and perspectives are having a growing impact on those policy decisions. While in some quarters, women's voices continue to be silenced; in others, women are leading their states to new solutions and through contentious debates on matters of cultural discord.
To fully tell these and other stories, AP is undertaking a two-year project devoted largely to reporting on women in state government. We are seeking two talented legislative reporters eager to take on this beat assignment: One in Lansing, Michigan, and the other in Phoenix, Arizona. These temporary staff positions last through the end of February 2026 and are covered by AP's agreement with the News Media Guild.
While the reporters will focus largely on women's issues, they also will play an integral role on the state's legislative team, helping cover key developments and breaking news in state politics -- from budget negotiations to policy decisions -- with a particular eye to the role of women.
Responsibilities: In this role, you will seek to consistently break news and produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise in Michigan or Arizona, and beyond. You should be a self-starter who is comfortable with data sets and freedom of information requests, knows how to frame a state-based story for broader audiences, and can generate ideas that resonate in the U.S. and around the world.
We're looking for reporters who: are comfortable writing spot news, features, profiles and analysis. are idea machines, taking a piece of data or a thread of a story and following it to where it leads. put people at the center of the storytelling. write about complex topics in a manner that can be easily understood by broad audiences. are interested in and excited about telling stories in alternative ways. enjoy working across all formats – text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics – collaborating from a story's inception to its publication. have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms. pursue innovative and inclusive coverage that maintains AP's standards for integrity and objectivity. Required Qualifications: At least two years of full-time journalism experience and a proven track record of identifying smart, innovative stories that people respond to. Flexible thinking, organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects and priorities each day. Preferred Qualifications: Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience. Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. A willingness to work any shift, including nights and weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation. How to apply: Please apply with a single document that includes your resume, examples of writing/editing and a memo describing your vision for the role.
Application deadline is 11:59 PM ET on April 18, 2024 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. 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.
