Open Governance Initiative Opgov.news

**Please do not apply for this role if you are not local to the Tri-Valley area!**

Company Description Open Governance Initiative OpGov.News is a media platform focused on making local government more transparent and accessible. The organization simplifies complex city council proceedings so community members can understand how decisions are made. By turning public meetings and documents into clear, actionable information, OpGov.News helps residents stay informed and engaged. The platform is built on the belief that transparency strengthens communities and encourages accountable governance. Team members contribute to a mission-driven environment centered on public service and civic awareness.

This publication was built from the ground up as a non-profit news organization designed to preserve democracy at the local level, amplifying community voices and pushing for accountability in city, county, and state governance.

Role Description This is a part-time remote role for a Local News Reporter at ten hours per week. The Local News Reporter will monitor and cover city council meetings and related local government activities, producing timely, accurate, and accessible news stories. Day-to-day tasks include researching agendas and public records, attending virtual or in-person meetings as needed, conducting interviews with officials and community members, and writing clear, concise articles for the platform. The reporter will collaborate with editors to refine story angles, ensure factual accuracy, and align coverage with OpGov.News’s mission of transparency. Additional responsibilities may include drafting brief updates and summaries, contributing to press materials, and suggesting story ideas that highlight issues affecting local residents.

Qualifications

• Candidates should possess strong reporting and journalism skills, with the ability to cover local government and community issues accurately and fairly.
• Candidates should possess news writing and research skills, including the ability to produce clear, engaging, and concise stories on tight deadlines.
• Candidates should possess experience with press releases and basic public communications, including summarizing complex information for general audiences.
• Strong research, fact-checking, and critical thinking abilities, with attention to detail and accuracy in all published work.
• Familiarity with local government structures and public records, or a demonstrated interest in civic affairs and public policy.
• Comfort working remotely, managing time independently, and using digital tools for communication, collaboration, and content submission.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; prior experience in newsrooms, local media, or civic journalism is beneficial.
• A relevant educational background in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or a related field is preferred but not required if experience is demonstrated.
• Ability to follow independent style guide is a must.