DC Politics Reporter
The San Francisco Chronicle has an opening for a driven and intellectually curious journalist to cover the 15-member Bay Area congressional delegation in Washington, D.C. The reporter will take on an essential position within the politics team, producing stories chronicling President Donald Trump’s policies targeting California and the tension between the state and the federal government, as well as how powerful Bay Area figures are shaping — or thwarting — solutions in Washington. And they will pursue angles on national issues including abortion, climate change and civil rights that resonate with Bay Area readers.
Reporters at the Chronicle seek to provide must-read, best-in-class coverage through scoops, quick-hit enterprise stories, investigations and utility-focused pieces that demystify politics and government systems, hold leaders accountable and drive home the ways in which policies impact people’s lives. We’re seeking a self-starter with high standards who has excellent writing skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback, is committed to inclusive journalism and wants to own the stories that matter most.
If you don’t perfectly fit the position we’ve described, and/or have valuable skills you’d bring to the role that aren’t articulated here, please don’t hesitate to apply.
What you will do:
- Report and write news and analysis for SFChronicle.com that may also publish in The Chronicle's print editions.
- Compete with local and national outlets to provide readers the timeliest and most authoritative information.
- Examine how systems and leaders deliver on their promises.
- Produce high-impact digital projects by collaborating with other newsroom teams.
What it will take to be successful:
- At least three years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
- Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
- Persistence in filing and tracking public records requests.
- Ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
- An understanding of the unique dynamics of and challenges facing San Francisco and the Bay Area
Requirements:
- This position is full time and will likely include occasional weekend work.
- The successful candidate must be based in Washington or willing to move to the region.
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 $100,000 and $140,000. 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 & SFChronicle.com:
The San Francisco Chronicle is one of the largest news organizations in the West. SFChronicle.com is home to the Bay Area’s best journalism and has been recognized as the best large newspaper website in California. Our award-winning journalists provide insight into the people and events shaping the Bay Area, investigate wrongdoing and waste, and deliver the quickest and most reliable coverage of breaking news in Northern California. Join our team!
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.
Be part of something bigger — Your Headline Awaits
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Skills Required
- At least three years of experience in a newsroom or related work environment.
- Strong news judgment, creativity, meticulousness and commitment to fairness.
- Persistence in filing and tracking public records requests.
- Ability to collaborate and work in a fast-changing news environment.
- Understanding of the unique dynamics and challenges facing San Francisco and the Bay Area.
- Must be based in Washington or willing to move to the region.
- Ability to work full time and occasional weekend work.
- Commitment to inclusive journalism and openness to feedback.
Hearst Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Hearst and has not been reviewed or approved by Hearst.
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Healthcare Strength — Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, including medical plan choice, full in-network preventive coverage, dental and vision, telemedicine, prescription coverage, and fertility resources. Mental-health resources and other wellbeing services (e.g., therapy sessions, crisis support, virtual physical therapy, and chronic-condition programs) further strengthen the health offering.
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Retirement Support — Retirement support is positioned as meaningful through a 401(k) plan with company matching and Hearst covering plan administration fees. Performance bonuses are also noted as available in some roles, adding an additional rewards component beyond base pay.
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Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off benefits include paid holidays, paid sick days, and vacation time with a commonly cited annual range, alongside paid parental leave and family medical leave. A remote work program and flexibility signals are also included as part of the overall rewards experience.
Hearst Insights
What We Do
Hearst is a leading global, diversified media, information and services company with more than 360 businesses. Its major interests include ownership in cable television networks such as A&E, HISTORY, Lifetime and ESPN; global financial services leader Fitch Group; Hearst Health, a group of medical information and services businesses; transportation assets including CAMP Systems International, a major provider of software-as-a-service solutions for managing maintenance of jets and helicopters; 33 television stations such as WCVB-TV in Boston and KCRA-TV in Sacramento, California, which reach a combined 19 percent of U.S. viewers; newspapers such as the Houston Chronicle, San Francisco Chronicle and Times Union (Albany, New York); more than 300 magazines around the world, including Cosmopolitan, ELLE, Men's Health and Car and Driver, and digital services businesses such as iCrossing and KUBRA; and investments in emerging digital entertainment companies such as Complex Networks.
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