South Dakota News Watch, a nonprofit, independent news organization, seeks an experienced investigative government and political reporter for the statehouse in Pierre.
The beat: The successful candidate will lead a new state government and political beat. They will produce compelling, unique stories that clearly explain to South Dakotans the goings-on in all three branches of government and why they should care. That includes during the Legislature, which meets for two months every year. The journalist will also report on the state’s vibrant political scene, which in 2026 includes a gubernatorial race, and the state’s three members of Congress, one of whom is Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Stories about Kristi Noem, former South Dakota governor and current Homeland Security secretary, will be expected as part of the beat.
The journalist needed: In-depth, investigative and public service storytelling forms the foundation of South Dakota News Watch’s mission to shed light on the issues, concerns and welfare of the state’s residents. The job of statehouse reporter requires a commitment to nonpartisanship, accuracy, fairness and the highest personal and professional ethical standards and a dogged pursuit of stories that tell South Dakotans something they didn’t know. Fundamental investigative skills are a must: document and database reporting, source development and interviews that go beyond the surface.
The audience: Besides South Dakota News Watch’s own platforms (website, email newsletters, social media), content is provided at no cost to 100 newspaper, broadcast and online media partners statewide and picked up by The Associated Press.
The location: Must live in Pierre, work from home and the Capitol, and be available to occasionally travel statewide. Pierre is home to outdoor activities and a highly ranked school district. It’s three hours from Sioux Falls in the east and Rapid City/Black Hills in the west.
Responsibilities:
Qualifications:
Reports to: CEO
Schedule: 40 hours/week, primarily 8-4:30 Monday-Friday but flexible to accommodate personal/family responsibilities
Compensation/benefits: Salary $65,000-$75,000, depending on experience; eight paid holidays and 15 days paid time off that increases; paid health insurance with optional employee-paid family, dental and vision plans; $25,000 of life insurance; retirement match of up to 3%
About South Dakota News Watch: Unlike local traditional and new media organizations that cover the top news of the day, South Dakota News Watch instead goes deep on important statewide issues, uses solutions journalism to go beyond just identifying problems and verifies trending claims through fact briefs. We do research and reporting that explains complex topics relevant to people and policymakers. And we use scientific polling, public forums and other tools to explore what’s on the minds of South Dakotans.
Discrimination policy: South Dakota News Watch is dedicated to reflecting the people we cover. We are an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or any other status protected under applicable law.
Deadline: June 13, 2025
To apply: Submit a PDF of your resume and work samples to CEO Carson Walker at carson.walker@sdnewswatch.org . You may also chat about the job before applying.
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