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Policy Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Hearst

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

Spotlight PA

Environment reporter

Harrisburg, PA · On-site +1

$65K - $75K/yr

... and policy decisions to environmental justice and health - as well as solutions to the climate ... The remote reporter will be based at Spotlight PA, a statewide nonprofit newsroom headquartered in ...

WFYI Indianapolis

Reporter, Health

Indianapolis, IN · On-site

$60 - $80/hr

Reporter, Health Location: Indianapolis, IN Department: News ABOUT WFYI WFYI is a nonprofit ... They will have demonstrated experience reporting what policy decisions mean for individuals ...

Hearst Newspapers

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $100K/yr

This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the ... The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city ...

KERA

COMMUNITIES REPORTER, SOUTH DALLAS COUNTY

Dallas, TX · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

COMMUNITIES REPORTER, SOUTH DALLAS COUNTY KERA, the public media company of North Texas, is seeking ... This person must balance policy knowledge with human-centered reporting mindful of equity issues as ...

KERA

Communities Reporter, South Dallas County

Dallas, TX · On-site

$60K - $70K/yr

The Communities Reporter, South Dallas County is a full-time position that is part of KERA ... This person must balance policy knowledge with human-centered reporting mindful of equity issues as ...

KERA

COMMUNITIES REPORTER, SOUTH DALLAS COUNTY

Dallas, TX · On-site

$24.25 - $33/hr

COMMUNITIES REPORTER, SOUTH DALLAS COUNTY KERA, the public media company of North Texas, is seeking ... This person must balance policy knowledge with human-centered reporting mindful of equity issues as ...

Politico

Reporter (Future Talent Pool)

Arlington, VA

$78K - $150K/yr

We're looking for reporters with a deep interest in how the government enacts policies that touch the lives of the public and shape our future. The successful candidates will have a track record of ...

Lancaster County

Court Reporter

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$57K - $86K/yr

Official Court Reporters report to the Director of Court Reporters. * There are currently 13 ... Work remotely as required and function within the guidelines of the telecommuting policy. OTHER ...

Politico

Reporter (Future Talent Pool)

Arlington, VA · On-site

$78K - $150K/yr

We're looking for reporters with a deep interest in how the government enacts policies that touch the lives of the public and shape our future. The successful candidates will have a track record of ...

Lancaster County

Court Reporter

Lancaster, PA · On-site

$57K - $86K/yr

Official Court Reporters report to the Director of Court Reporters. * There are currently 13 ... Work remotely as required and function within the guidelines of the telecommuting policy. OTHER ...

Bloomberg Industry Group

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Bloomberg Industry Group, one of Washington's busiest newsrooms, seeks a Data Reporter to help us ... It is Bloomberg Industry Group's policy to provide equal opportunity and access for all persons ...

Bloomberg Industry Group

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Bloomberg Industry Group, one of Washington's busiest newsrooms, seeks a Data Reporter to help us ... It is Bloomberg Industry Group's policy to provide equal opportunity and access for all persons ...

Bloomberg Industry Group

Data Reporter

Arlington, VA · On-site

$90K - $115K/yr

Bloomberg Industry Group, one of Washington's busiest newsrooms, seeks a Data Reporter to help us ... It is Bloomberg Industry Group's policy to provide equal opportunity and access for all persons ...

Versant Media

Senior Deals Reporter - CNBC

Manhattan, NY · On-site

The reporter will be a key player in CNBC's expanding finance team, working in both TV and digital ... VERSANT Media's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees ...

WHYY INC

Education Reporter

Philadelphia, PA · On-site

This reporter follows the hybrid work policy at WHYY. This position is a grant funded position for three years. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES * Research, report and write stories that uphold ...

State of South Carolina

Court Reporter I

Columbia, SC · On-site

Specific knowledge of SC Court Reporters Manual policies and procedures. Proficiency with computers and modern court reporting technology/equipment. Strong transcription, listening, proofreading, and ...

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Policy Reporter information

See salary details

$15K

$42.4K

$77.5K

How much do policy reporter jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 8, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy reporter in the United States is $42,378.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $32,000.00 and $49,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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.

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 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.

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What states have the most Policy Reporter jobs?

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What are popular job titles related to Policy Reporter jobs?

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Policy Reporter jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Reporter job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 18% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,378 per year, or $20.4 per hour.

City Hall Reporter

San Francisco, CA • On-site

HNP San Francisco/Bay Area
See more jobs at HNP San Francisco/Bay Areaexternal

$80K - $100K/yr

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

Key responsibilities

  • Report on City Hall activities related to homelessness, affordable housing, and the drug epidemic, including explaining policy and funding issues.

  • Build sources within the homeless community and spend time on the streets to tell the stories of unhoused residents and share perspectives of housed residents and business owners.

  • Develop enterprise stories, profiles, analysis pieces, and produce digital projects in collaboration with other newsroom teams.

Job description


S.F. City Hall reporter
San Francisco, CA
The San Francisco Chronicle is looking for an aggressive, enterprising reporter to cover City Hall with a focus on homelessness, affordable and supportive housing, and the drug epidemic, writing about San Francisco's and California's struggles to confront these crises and whether funds are being appropriately used.
Homelessness and open-air drug use in San Francisco and California have become national stories. The reporter on these beats will be tasked with explaining why one of the richest regions and states has failed to make significant progress on such visible and intractable problems while also looking at innovative solutions.
This is an opportunity to break news on the people and policies shaping the story, hold the powerful to account, amplify new and important voices, and explain these issues to readers here and around the world. The reporter will be part of the San Francisco City Hall team and will focus on how city departments and elected officials respond to the crisis.
The reporter will be expected to build sources in the homeless community and spend time on the streets. They will be asked to tell the stories of unhoused residents and share the perspectives of housed residents and business owners.
Reporters at the Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through scoops, investigative stories, narrative journalism and utility pieces that demystify politics and government systems. We're seeking a self-starter who has strong writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, thrives on collaboration, is committed to inclusive journalism and wants to own the stories that matter most.
What you will do:
  • Compete to break news for SFChronicle.com and the Chronicle's print edition.
  • Examine how systems and leaders deliver on promises.
  • Develop enterprise stories, profiles and analysis pieces.
  • Produce digital projects by collaborating with other newsroom teams.

What it will take to be successful:
  • At least two years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
  • Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
  • Willingness to dive deeply into policy details while clearly explaining them.
  • Ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
  • Commitment to visual storytelling and openness to alternative story forms.

Requirements:
  • This position is full-time and will likely include some weekend work.
  • The candidate must be based in the Bay Area.

In accordance with applicable law, Hearst is required to include a reasonable estimate of the compensation for this role if hired in California. The reasonable estimate is between $80,000 and $100,000. 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, training, certifications and education.
About the San Francisco Chronicle:
The San Francisco Chronicle (www.sfchronicle.com) is the largest newspaper in Northern California and the second largest on the West Coast. Acquired by the Hearst Corporation in 2000, the Chronicle was founded in 1865 by Charles and Michael de Young and has been awarded seven Pulitzer Prizes for journalistic excellence, including the 2026 award for explanatory reporting.
HNP Overview:
With 2,500 employees across the nation, Hearst Newspapers (HNP) represents a network of 28 daily and 50 weekly publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany). Our portfolio also includes several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites such as Chron., CT Insider, MySA and SFGATE, along with marketing services businesses like Medium Giant and entertainment brands such as King Features Syndicate.
At HNP, we're investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories - growing newsrooms, diversifying tools and evolving platforms - to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.
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