The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

The Associated Press seeks a talented journalist to join its Local News Success team to enhance our coverage of democracy at the state and local level. The successful candidate will serve as a thought leader for AP journalists, AP member news organizations and the news industry on coverage of democratic principles such as voting, government transparency and a free press.

You will write, report and direct projects on this topic, collaborate with AP colleagues and local news members on democracy coverage and provide tools, training and other resources to the industry. This job comes with an expansive assignment to help improve the storytelling of AP journalists who cover democracy and elections in the United States. Your work will serve a global audience with the goal of combating misinformation and misunderstanding about and within the American democracy via rich and robust explanatory journalism. This is a two-year grant-funded position with an opportunity to extend.

Responsibilities:

Reporting to the deputy U.S. news director for local news success, you will focus on helping strengthen AP’s role as a partner to its member and customer news companies – one that is deeply invested in their success and helping them better serve their communities. You’ll work frequently with customers to identify ways the AP can support them on coverage areas including voting access, state legislation, redistricting, government secrecy and political misinformation. You will also work closely with AP’s democracy and state government teams to share data and look for opportunities to collaborate on projects and stories. You should be eager to use metrics and social media to elevate stories.

We’re looking for someone who will:

• have strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams of journalists, inside and outside the AP, who operate in all formats: text, photo, video, audio, digital/social, interactive and graphics.
• have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories that people will want to share, like and talk about on social media and other platforms.
• pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.

Qualifications:

This journalist must have demonstrated an excellent record of delivering distinctive spot news and accountability-focused stories. You must be able to explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways, and do so swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. You must be able to work effectively as a member of a team. You are able and willing to work at night and on weekends, as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

Other qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience, such as at least two years of full-time work in a newsroom, for a digital news outlet or AP bureau.
• Authorization to work in the U.S. will be mandatory.
• Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines.

The anticipated salary range for this position is $50,653 - $80,714 contingent on experience and other job-related factors. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan, employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application Deadline:  April 9, 2023 @ 11:59 PM ET

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.