The Opportunity Be the Pacific Northwest's eyes and ears in Washington D.C.!
OPB is launching a brand-new reporting role on our political team. We're seeking a Washington D.C based reporter to cover the policies, power, and personalities shaping the Pacific Northwest from the nation's capital. You'll break news, produce enterprise reporting, appear on OPB Politics Now, and tell stories that connect the work of Oregon and Washington's congressional delegations to the people and communities they serve throughout the region.
This is a one-year, fulltime, limited duration role that will begin by Jan. 3, 2027.
Position Details The Congressional & Federal Policy Reporter produces a steady stream of both daily and enterprise news coverage on briefings, policies and actions taken by members of Oregon and Washington's congressional delegations in Washington, D.C. The reporter will produce stories for OPB's multiple platforms, including digital, radio and video/social media, and must consistently meet deadlines, as well as the organization's ethical, technical, legal and aesthetic standards. The person filling this position must be an independent and competitive self-starter with a passion for political reporting and an understanding of both the political landscape in Washington, D.C. and the ways in which actions by Oregon and Washington's delegates, and policies they are involved with, play out in the Pacific Northwest. The position requires research, writing, online filing, voicing and production, as well as a rigorous schedule with frequent reporting on Capitol Hill. This reporter may also be asked to take photos on occasion and produce video stand-ups for OPB's social media platforms. This position will be part of the OPB news department's Politics team.
Areas of Responsibility: 80%
The reporter/producer reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio and digital. Those other duties include scheduling and conducting interviews and planning future news coverage related to the beat, recording and editing material using digital audio tools, using social media for information gathering and engagement and taking photos.
10%
Participate in local news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, "Think Out Loud®" and All Things Considered and podcasts such as "OPB Politics Now" or being debriefed by an on-air host.
5%
Produces reports for national news programs and newscasts, as assigned and with approval of supervising editor.
5%
Other duties as assigned, including participating in fundraising.
Working Conditions: This is a one-year, fulltime, limited duration reporting role based in Washington, D.C. The reporter will divide time between an office/studio in a host newsroom and field work as needed for newsgathering, which can require long hours on Capitol Hill, working evenings or weekends, and possibly working in inclement weather. There will be flexibility to work partially remote as needed. This position is based in Washington, D.C. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 20 pounds is sometimes required.
Minimum Position Requirements (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes): - Bachelor's degree in journalism or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position.
- 5 years equivalent full-time professional experience as a journalist
- Experience covering federal politics and Congress.
- Experience developing and maintaining a beat, with a preference for a political beat
- Enterprise reporting experience
- Ability to develop and maintain sources
- Ability to work independently in a remote location, as well as collaborate with editors and reporters throughout the Northwest.
- Strong writing and interviewing skills
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Familiarity with photography, audio, video and social media in the presentation of news stories
- Passion for covering politics
- Commitment to high ethical standards in reporting
- Ability to file live reports and participate in breaking news
- Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB
- Enthusiasm for the changing news production environment and the tools and software used to facilitate our work
Preferred (Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Attitudes): - Bachelor's degree in journalism
- Experience as a bureau reporter
- Experience using digital audio recording and editing equipment
- Beat appropriate information such as
- Experience covering Oregon and Washington's congressional delegation and federal policies that impact the Pacific Northwest (environment, agriculture, energy)
- Experience using social media tools to communicate with audience members
- Bilingual in English and another language, preferably one spoken in communities in the Pacific Northwest (for example, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, and Russian).
- An eye for diverse voices and sources in stories
- Photography or video production skills
Additional Information: - This full time, one-year limited duration position reporting to the Politics News Editor.
- This role is represented by SAG-AFTRA.
- This role is benefits eligible, and the expected hiring range for this role is between $109,000 and $120,000 per year; compensation will depend on the qualifications of the selected candidate.
- Compensation note: This role is based in Washington, DC, and the salary range includes a location-based pay differential. The range is specific to DC and would be adjusted if the employee's work location changes.
How to Apply: For application instructions, please visit OPB's careers page. You will be asked to create an account, upload your cover letter and resume and answer a few position-related questions. Once you click "submit" you cannot make changes to your application.
Applications are due on November 30th, at 8:59pm Pacific Time. Resume review is anticipated to start on December 1st with phones screens scheduled this week. This anticipated start date for this role is by January 3rd, 2027. 
