Senior Reporter

Aspen Daily News; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 58,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

401(k) with employer match

Health insurance

Paid time off

Optional employer-financed ski pass

Housing assistance

Job summary

A community-focused news organization in Aspen, Colorado, is seeking a Senior Reporter to lead hard-news coverage and ensure accountability in local governance. This mid-senior level role requires at least five years of experience, strong news judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate will report high-impact stories and build strong community ties. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits, including health insurance and assistance with housing options.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional reporting experience.
• Strong news judgment and ability to break and develop stories.
• Clear, accurate writing with a command of AP style.

Responsibilities

• Report and write high-impact stories on deadline.
• Develop sources and maintain strong community relationships.
• Pursue enterprise and investigative stories.

Skills

Professional reporting experience

Strong news judgment

Clear and accurate writing

Ability to meet deadlines

Editing experience

Job description

Media, Communications & Engagement Pro | Passionate about independent journalism & community-driven news

Salary Range: $58,000–$70,000, DOE

Reports to: Editor

The award-winning Aspen Daily News is seeking an experienced Senior Reporter to join our newsroom and help lead hard-news coverage in one of the most dynamic (and scrutinized) communities in the Rocky Mountains.

Do you have a nose for hard news and the drive to break tough stories? Do you file clean, crisp copy on a fast turnaround — stories fit for a daily publication in a community with high expectations for accountability in local government, and public institutions? Are you a self-starter who works well under pressure and gets along with sources (while also holding their feet to the fire) as well as your newsroom colleagues?

If so, the Aspen Daily News may be the right place for you.

About the Role

This is a senior-level reporting position focused on enterprise, accountability and daily coverage. The ideal candidate brings at least five years of professional reporting experience; some editing experience is a plus. You should be organized, diligent, competitive (there is another newspaper in town) and collaborative — someone who thrives in a fast-paced newsroom and contributes positively to its culture.

Responsibilities

• Report and write high-impact stories on deadline, with an emphasis on local government, courts and public accountability
• Develop sources and maintain strong relationships across the community
• Pursue enterprise and investigative stories alongside daily coverage
• Collaborate with editors and fellow reporters to shape coverage priorities
• Assist with editing or mentoring, as appropriate, based on experience

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional reporting experience
• Strong news judgment and a proven ability to break and develop stories
• Clear, accurate and engaging writing with a command of AP style
• Ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet daily deadlines
• Editing experience is a plus, but not required

We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package, including:

• Salary range of $58,000–$70,000, depending on experience
• 401(k) with employer match (3% up to $500/year)
• Health insurance and paid time off
• Optional employer-financed ski pass
• Support navigating housing in the Roaring Fork Valley; while housing is challenging (as it is in many markets nationwide), we may be able to assist candidates in identifying more affordable options

Additionally, Aspen Daily News has a strategic partnership with our local public radio station, Aspen Public Radio, which includes sharing content and select reporting capacity. In this regard, the senior reporter will have the option to contract directly with Aspen Public Radio, receiving up to $10,000/year to produce ADN-reported audio stories for public radio listeners.

And, of course, the Roaring Fork Valley is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream — with world-class skiing, hiking, biking and public lands right outside your door.

How to Apply

Please send a resume and three reporting clips to Editor Andre Salvail at [e-mail].

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

Industries

• Newspaper Publishing

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