Local Politics & Education Reporter — Flexible Schedule

Free Press Media; 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 hiring a reporter for our Political & Education beat in Mankato. You will tell stories shaping local politics and education, not only in print but also online and on social media to reach a wider audience.

Ideal candidates have strong writing and grammar, love deadlines, and are eager to engage with the community through events and interviews. This role offers mentorship, a collaborative newsroom, and opportunities to build a publishable portfolio while growing as a

Qualifications

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

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.

Skills

Strong writing

Interest in politics/education

Interviewing sources

Deadline driven

Job description

The Mankato Free Press is hiring a reporter for our Political & Education beat in Mankato. You will tell stories shaping local politics and education, not only in print but also online and on social media to reach a wider audience.

Ideal candidates have strong writing and grammar, love deadlines, and are eager to engage with the community through events and interviews. This role offers mentorship, a collaborative newsroom, and opportunities to build a publishable portfolio while growing as a