Local Political & Education Reporter - Flexible Schedule

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

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.