Full-Time Political & Education Reporter

Vance Airscoop; Mankato (MN); On-site; USD 35,000 - 40,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k)

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Flexible schedule

HAS/FSA

Life insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

The Mankato Free Press is seeking a Full-Time Political & Education Reporter to cover local politics and educational topics in Mankato, MN. The role emphasizes balance, ethics, and timely reporting across print and digital platforms.

You will produce multiple bylines, capture visuals, and engage with the community, while meeting deadlines and learning on the job in a collaborative newsroom.

Qualifications

• Strong writing and grammar skills with attention to detail.
• Interest in local/state politics and educational topics.
• Comfortable interviewing sources and meeting deadlines; willingness to learn and grow as a storyteller.

Responsibilities

• Report and write with balance and objectivity and adhere to CNHI ethics.
• Produce a minimum of 10 bylines (2 enterprise) and 2 videos every five days worked.
• Meet all daily and advance copy deadlines.
• Shoot or arrange a photo, breakout and/or graphic to accompany each byline story.
• Work rotating weekend general assignment shifts as needed.
• Maintain list of follow-ups, story ideas and source contacts.
• Self-manage work hours to ensure late work-week availability.
• Generate stories from assigned beats and other topics as assigned.
• Meet with the public and participate in community events.
• Complete training, paperwork and reporting in a timely manner.

Skills

Writing skills

Grammar

Interviewing sources

Deadline discipline

Job description

Full-Time Political & Education Reporter

The Mankato Free Press is now hiring a reporter for our Political & Education beat. This role is ideal for someone eager to tell the stories that shape the political arena of our area and all that education has to offer as well. You’ll tell these compelling stories not only in the printed newspaper but also find new and compelling solutions in social media and on-line to ensure these stories are viewed and heard.

Core Responsibilities

• Report and write with balance and objectivity and adhere to journalistic ethics as established by CNHI
• Produce a minimum expectation per five days worked of 10 bylines (2 enterprise) and 2 videos
• Meet all daily copy and advance copy deadlines
• Shoot or arrange a photo, breakout and/or graphic to accompany each byline story
• Work rotating weekend general assignment shifts as needed
• Maintain list of follow-ups, story ideas and source contacts
• Self-manage work hours to assure late work-week availability
• Generate stories from assigned beats and other topics as assigned
• Meet with public and participate in events in the community
• Complete all training, paperwork and reporting in a timely manor

Qualifications

• Strong writing and grammar skills with attention to detail
• Interest in local and statewide politics & educational topics
• Comfortable interviewing sources and meeting deadlinesWillingness to learn, take feedback, and grow as a professional storyteller

What We Offer

• Mentorship and on-the-job training
• Opportunities to develop a professional writing portfolio with published deadlines
• Career growth potential in journalism and communications
• A collaborative newsroom environment passionate about telling real stories and producing quality local journalism

Pay: $35,000 -$40,000 per year

*401(k) * Health, Vision, Dental Insurance * Flexible Schedule * HAS/FSA

*Life Insurance * Paid Time Off

Work Location: In person Mankato, MN