Utah News Dispatch

Description:

Join the Utah News Dispatch and deliver impactful government coverage connecting state policy to the people who live it. The Utah News Dispatch is a nonpartisan, nonprofit news organization covering Utah state government, politics, and policy. Staffed by experienced reporters, it is dedicated to relentless, issue-driven journalism highlighting statehouse decisions and their effects on citizens across the Beehive State.

As part of States Newsroom, the reporter will work in a collaborative environment, demonstrating strong news judgment and beat development capabilities to produce compelling journalism. Coverage includes the Legislature, state agencies, statewide elections, and specialized topics such as the environment, immigration, and public safety, with opportunities to develop additional expertise. The role requires daily and enterprise story production, photography, and social media content sharing.

The ideal candidate will excel at tracking trends, holding officials accountable, cultivating sources, and conducting public records research, ensuring readers gain deeper insights beyond press releases.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce regular, high-quality reporting on Utah issues

• Contribute to Utah News Dispatch’s briefs section

• Generate story ideas in collaboration with the editor

• Pursue self-generated and assigned story leads with independence

• Communicate effectively with editors and colleagues while meeting deadlines

• Collaborate on projects and share research knowledge

• Expand the outlet’s digital presence and amplify content via personal social media

• Take photos and video to support stories

Compensation & Benefits:

• $55,000 minimum annual salary (relocation stipend considered)

• Platinum health care coverage for employees and families

• 4 weeks of vacation per year

• 2 weeks of personal leave per year

• 20 hours paid volunteer time per year

• 11 paid holidays per year

• $75 monthly cell phone reimbursement

• $200 cell phone replacement every two years

• $75 monthly fitness benefit

• 401K with up to 3% match

• 12 weeks parental leave

• Full-service Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Culture:
States Newsroom values supportive, positive, and sustainable journalism careers, connecting people to the power shaping their lives. They prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, strengthening reporting through varied perspectives.