Political Reporter Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Job Title: Tallahassee Bureau Reporter

Location: Hybrid, Tallahassee, FL

Position Summary

The Tampa Bay Times is seeking a driven, ambitious reporter to join our Tallahassee Bureau and cover Florida politics, state government, and public policy. This is one of the most impactful reporting assignments in the state, offering the opportunity to cover the decisions, personalities, and power dynamics that shape the lives of millions of Floridians.

The successful candidate will cover both policy and politics, following legislation from conception to implementation while providing readers with clear, insightful reporting on the issues and individuals driving change. This reporter will be expected to break news, produce watchdog and enterprise reporting, and develop compelling explanatory journalism that helps readers understand complex topics.

The role requires persistence, strong source-building skills, sound news judgment, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, particularly during Florida's legislative sessions and election cycles. Collaboration is essential, as the reporter will work closely with colleagues across the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald to deliver best-in-class political coverage.

Core Responsibilities

• Report and write timely, accurate, and compelling stories on breaking news, state government, public policy, and politics.
• Develop exclusive reporting, scoops, watchdog journalism, and investigative stories.
• Track legislation, government actions, and political developments from inception through implementation.
• Build and maintain a diverse network of sources across government, politics, advocacy groups, and communities.
• Produce enterprise and explanatory journalism that makes complex policy issues accessible to readers.
• Analyze public records, reports, data, and financial documents to identify and develop story opportunities.
• Collaborate with editors and bureau colleagues to prioritize coverage and strengthen storytelling across platforms.
• Monitor audience engagement metrics and incorporate insights to expand readership and impact.
• Identify stories and angles that differentiate the Tampa Bay Times and Miami Herald from competing news organizations.
• Contribute to coverage of statewide elections, including major races and political campaigns.
• Work effectively under deadline pressure during legislative sessions, elections, and breaking news events.

Required Qualifications

• Experience in reporting, preferably covering politics, government, public policy, or related beats.
• Strong news judgment and commitment to journalistic ethics and accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to break news and develop enterprise or investigative reporting.
• Experience cultivating and maintaining professional source relationships.
• Excellent writing, interviewing, and storytelling skills.
• Ability to explain complex issues in a clear, engaging, and accessible manner.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfort working with data, public records, reports, and financial documents.
• Ability to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends as news demands.
• High level of curiosity, initiative, and energy.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Reliable transportation.
• Experience at a college publication, professional internship, or newsroom is preferred.

Location Requirements

This position is based in Tallahassee, Florida. While the Tampa Bay Times generally operates as a hybrid workplace, residence in Tallahassee is required to effectively cover the state capitol and attend in-person meetings, events, and legislative activities.

Application Instructions

Internal candidates should submit a memo outlining their vision for the role along with three to five story ideas.

External candidates should submit:

• A cover letter outlining their vision for the beat
• A resume including three professional references
• Five work samples that demonstrate reporting and writing abilities