CA Confidential Reporter, California Politics Newsletter

The San Francisco Chronicle is expanding its coverage of the state Capitol by launching an initiative that will focus on all aspects of legislation. To lead the initiative, the Chronicle is seeking a driven and intellectually curious journalist capable of helming a daily politics newsletter. 

California is one of the world’s top economies and its annual budget surpasses that of many countries. Laws made in California often have a major impact on the rest of the United States. Tracking the work of legislators crafting these policies is a critical job. 

The newsletter author will be a self-starter capable of unearthing news, reporting on daily developments and big-picture conversations on the most urgent political topics of the day and writing engaging copy in a distinctive voice for a newsletter that publishes five days a week.

The coverage will be done in partnership with USLege, an AI-powered government relations workflow tool and database that allows insiders to learn what’s happening in the legislative process in local city hall meetings all the way to the capital in Sacramento.

We are seeking someone with an entrepreneurial bent who is eager to launch a new project that they will own. This person should be passionate about how laws are made in California and how the process plays out throughout the state.

What you will do:

• Identify key legislation and report on how it is moving through the system.

• Package reporting, news and analysis on the California Capitol for a daily politics newsletter.

• Compete with local and national outlets to provide readers with the timeliest and most authoritative information.

• Create a must-read resource for daily politics news that examines legislation, lawmaker priorities and political jockeying and places it in the context of ongoing statewide and national conversations.

What it will take to be successful:

• At least three years covering a state legislature for a newsroom or related work environment

• Knowledge of the legislative process in California

• Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and a commitment to fairness

• An ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment

• Solid editing and storytelling skills.

Requirements: 

• This position is full-time, Sunday through Thursday.

• The candidate must be based in Sacramento. Our in-office requirement does not apply to this position.

What We Offer:

• A dynamic, mission-driven environment — no two days are the same

• Ongoing skills training on the latest digital and storytelling tools.

• Competitive compensation with room to advance your career.

• A team that listens — your ideas and voice matter here.

• Comprehensive Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) with competitive matching

• Generous paid time off, holidays, and parental leave

• Mental health & wellness support

• Fertility, menopause, and LGBTQ+ inclusive health benefits

• Pet wellness reimbursement and Rover credits

• Monthly child & dependent care assistance

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in the state of California. The reasonable estimate, if hired in California is $100,000 - $150,000. Please note this information is specific to those hired in California. A final decision on the successful candidate’s starting salary will be based on a number of permissible, non-discriminatory factors, including but not limited to skills and experience working on this very unique subject matter, training, certifications, and education.

About The San Francisco Chronicle & SFChronicle.com: 

The San Francisco Chronicle is one of the largest news organizations in the West. SFChronicle.com is home to the Bay Area’s best journalism and has been recognized as the best large newspaper website in California. Our award-winning journalists provide insight into the people and events shaping the Bay Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of breaking news in Northern California. Join our team!

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories–growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms–to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. 

Be part of something bigger — your headline awaits.

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