Democracy Reporter

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

We are now looking for a democracy reporter based in the US southeast, to report on US politics with a focus on democratic institutions, the erosion of democratic norms, and efforts to undermine representative democracy.

Job title: Democracy reporter

Department: Editorial

Reports to: Washington Editor

Normal location: Remote / Southeast, US

Terms and conditions: Full-time, 6-month fixed-term contract. News Media Guild position

Salary range: $99,524 - $105,791

About the role

This role will look at the intersection of democracy and race and focus on the voices most impacted. It will also involve some travel across the southeast to take the pulse of how communities are reacting and responding to state and federal politics.

The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who will come with a roster of ideas they'd like to pursue, who understands the Guardian's lens on these crucial topics. \This reporter will explore these issues largely through a mix of short, medium and longer-form enterprise reporting, features and investigations, as well as breaking news stories when required.

Key relationships

Washington Editor, Democracy Editor, Head of News, NY and LA news editors.

Skills and experience

  • Solid knowledge and understanding of democracy, voting rights and politics
  • Success at covering breaking news as well as crafting longform stories and narratives
  • Expertise in using documents, data, and other journalistic tools to develop and report stories
  • Experience or familiarity reporting on the US legal system
  • Minimum five years experience in digital reporting for a prominent newspaper or website
  • Enthusiasm for collaborating on video, audio, interactive and new forms of content for the web and mobile
  • Excellent news judgment and high standards for fair and accurate reporting
  • Proven ability to harness social media as a means for generating and developing storylines
  • Track record of forming productive relationships within and outside the newsroom and with diverse industry organizations, interview subjects and contacts
  • Ability to generate fresh ideas and angles that appeal to our global readership

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

The closing date for applications is May 28, 2025.

Compensation and benefits

  • 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
  • Unlimited sick time
  • Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
  • 401(k) Match
  • Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Generous parental leave with 100% pay
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Commuter benefits
  • Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.