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Policy Reporter Jobs in Colorado (NOW HIRING)

Reporter Newspapers

DIRECTOR OF NURSING

Castle Rock, CO · On-site

$150 - $190/hr

Develop and maintain clinical standards, policies, and best practices for nurse staffing and quality * Partner with hospital and health system leaders to improve staffing, retention, and patient care ...

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All JobsPolicy Reporter JobsPolicy Reporter Jobs in Colorado

Policy Reporter information

See Colorado salary details

$15.8K

$44.6K

$81.5K

How much do policy reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy reporter in Colorado is $44,561.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33,600.00 and $52,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Policy Reporter vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy ReporterPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or related field; knowledge of policy issuesBachelor's or master's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; analytical skills
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, news agencies, or online platformsGovernment agencies, think tanks, or research organizations
Employer & Industry UsageFocuses on reporting and communicating policy developmentsFocuses on analyzing, evaluating, and developing policy options

Policy Reporters primarily gather and communicate policy news to the public through media channels, while Policy Analysts evaluate and develop policy options for organizations or government bodies. Both roles require strong understanding of policy issues, but differ in their focus—reporting versus analysis.

What does a policy reporter do?

A Policy Reporter is a journalist who specializes in covering issues related to government policies, regulations, and public affairs. They research, investigate, and report on legislative developments, policy changes, and their impact on society. Policy Reporters often interview policymakers, experts, and stakeholders to provide balanced and informative news coverage. Their work helps inform the public and influence discussions around important policy topics.

How does a policy reporter collaborate with government officials and subject matter experts?

Policy Reporters frequently interact with government officials, public relations teams, and subject matter experts to gather reliable information and provide context for their stories. This collaboration often involves attending press briefings, conducting interviews, and verifying statements to ensure accurate and balanced reporting. Building trustful relationships and maintaining professionalism are key, as these connections help reporters access timely insights and clarify complex policy details. Effective communication and a strong ethical approach are essential to navigate sensitive topics and provide readers with clear, factual news.

What skills and qualifications are needed to be a policy reporter?

To thrive as a Policy Reporter, you need strong research, writing, and analytical skills, typically supported by a degree in journalism, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with content management systems, data visualization tools, and newsroom software is often required. Exceptional interpersonal communication, curiosity, and the ability to distill complex policy issues for diverse audiences are standout soft skills. These capabilities are essential for producing accurate, insightful reporting that informs the public and influences policy discussions.
What are popular job titles related to Policy Reporter jobs in Colorado? For Policy Reporter jobs in Colorado, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Policy Reporter jobs in Colorado look for? The top searched job categories for Policy Reporter jobs in Colorado are:
Policy Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Reporter job openings in Colorado as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 80% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $44,561 per year, or $21.4 per hour.

State Capitol Reporter

KUNC Community Radio for Northern Colorado

Denver, CO • On-site

$64K - $73K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Position summary
The State Capitol Reporter produces relevant, original, and engaging coverage of Colorado state government, politics, elections, and public policy for radio, digital, social, and other platforms. Coverage will explain the legislative process and show how decisions made at the Capitol affect communities throughout Colorado.
This Denver-based position works closely with the Capitol Editor/Reporter. They also collaborate with news teams from partner organizations. The reporter position is part of the Colorado Capitol News Alliance, a grant-funded editorial collaboration.
The successful candidate will have strong reporting, writing, on-air, and audio-production skills, along with experience covering politics, government, public policy, or related topics. Experience producing journalism for both broadcast and digital publication is required.Key responsibilities
  • Report, write, voice, and produce original coverage of Colorado state government, politics, elections, and public policy for radio, digital, social, and other editorial platforms.
  • Produce timely daily newscast and digital stories, as well as sound-rich features, enterprise reporting, and longer-term projects that provide context and accountability.
  • Cover legislative hearings, bill introductions, budget actions, elections, press conferences, and other developments involving lawmakers, the governor, state agencies, and political organizations.
  • Identify and pursue original stories that explain the legislative process and demonstrate how state policies and political decisions affect Colorado residents.
  • Develop and maintain a broad and diverse network of sources, including elected officials, public employees, policy experts, advocates, community members, and people directly affected by government decisions.
  • Use public-records laws, including the Colorado Open Records Act and federal Freedom of Information Act, as well as data analysis, original documents, factchecking, and verification to produce authoritative reporting.
  • Produce journalism that reflects the experiences of Colorado's diverse communities, elevates voices that are frequently underrepresented, and examines systemic inequities and institutional failures.
  • Collaborate with the Capitol Editor/Reporter, KUNC newsroom staff, and Colorado Capitol News Alliance partners on daily coverage, enterprise projects, a weekly political podcast, and digital and social video.
  • Consistently develop and pitch original daily, enterprise, investigative, and project-based story ideas.
  • Use audience-engagement practices to identify community questions, emerging concerns, and topics of importance to listeners and readers.
  • Participate actively in newsroom editorial, planning, and project meetings and contribute to coverage produced for KUNC programs, NPR, and other distribution partners when appropriate.
Additional responsibilities
  • Maintain an active professional presence on relevant social media platforms to distribute reporting, engage audiences, identify sources, and follow developing stories.
  • Participate in interviews, public events, audience-engagement activities, and station promotional efforts related to the reporter's work or the project.
  • Participate in on-air fundraising and other station development activities as needed.
  • Support coordinated newsroom coverage during elections, breaking news, and other major events.
Required qualifications
  • Minimum of three years of professional journalism experience, including reporting, writing, editing, and producing stories for broadcast and digital publication.
  • Strong editorial judgment and demonstrated ability to produce accurate, fair, balanced, and engaging journalism consistent with AP style and professional ethics.
  • Strong interviewing, research, writing, editing, and audio-production skills.
  • Demonstrated on-air ability, including voicing recorded stories, conducting interviews, and contributing to live or breaking-news coverage.
  • Experience using professional recording and editing equipment and newsroom production, publishing, automation, and collaboration systems. KUNC uses Adobe Audition, WideOrbit, Dropbox, and Microsoft applications; experience with comparable professional tools and the ability to learn new systems are required.
  • Demonstrated understanding of digital and social media platforms, audience-engagement practices, and effective distribution of news content across multiple platforms.
  • Experience using data in reporting and creating or supporting data visualizations.
  • Basic familiarity with FCC guidelines and requirements applicable to broadcast journalism.
  • Ability to manage multiple assignments, deadlines, and competing priorities while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
  • Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, adapt to changing newsroom priorities and technologies, and collaborate effectively with colleagues, sources, community members, and external partners.
  • Ability to connect global, national, state, and regional issues to the interests and needs of communities in the KUNC listening area. Familiarity with Northern Colorado is preferred but not required; the successful candidate must be able to quickly develop regional knowledge and sources.
  • Demonstrated professionalism, integrity, accountability, and commitment to public-service journalism.
  • Demonstrated commitment to serving diverse audiences and contributing to an inclusive and respectful workplace.
Preferred qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in media, communications, or related field.
  • At least three years' experience in the field reporting or editing.
  • Valid Colorado driver's license.
  • Must reside in Colorado.
  • Bilingual in Spanish is helpful.
Compensation and benefits
Salary range: $64,000-$73,000 annually commensurate with experience.
Benefits include health insurance, dental, vision, paid time off, holidays, professional development, and hybrid work options.Equal opportunity statement
KUNC / Community Radio for Northern Colorado is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to building a team that reflects the communities we serve and to creating a workplace grounded in respect, inclusion, accountability, and public service. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds and experiences to apply.How to apply
Send cover letter, resume and list of references to [email protected]

Apply