Senior Political Reporter, Federal Policy

RH Reality Check, an award-winning daily online publication, seeks a Senior Political Reporter to cover legislation and policy related to reproductive and sexual justice in the United States Congress. RHRC is an independent 501 c3. This is a full-time position located in the Washington, DC metro area and involves regular presence on Capitol Hill. The opening is available immediately and will remain open until filled.

The reporter will work closely with the Editor in Chief and a growing team to ensure timely, accurate, and aggressive coverage of domestic and international federal policy issues affecting the economic, social and health prospects of diverse populations of women, youth, and LGBT persons.

• As needed breaking news and daily coverage of federal law and policy on Capitol Hill on issues ranging from legislation and policy debates around abortion,
  contraception, Title X, abstinence-only funding, domestic and international family planning funding, and domestic and international HIV and AIDS;
• As needed breaking news and daily coverage of policies and legislation that affect the health and economic prospects of immigrant women, women of color, LGBT communities and youth;
  
• Establishing and cultivating key contacts in Congress and relevant agencies;
  
• Attendance at key hearings and press conferences;
  
• Interviews with key policymakers and occasional profiles of legislators and policymakers in and outside the Administration;
  
• Ensuring high-levels of quality, in regard to fact-checking, sourcing, and knowledge of legislation and policy;
  Identifying and getting out front on stories that must be covered and connecting with the right people to do so;
  
• Working daily with the RHRC team to ensure smooth communications on current priorities;
  
• Developing issue-focused series;
• Collaboration with other writers and columnist as necessary. s
  
• Ability to work off-sie and be accountable to the team;
• Other duties and projects as assigned and as the site expands.

The person we are seeking has and is able to demonstrate the following qualities and experience:

• Excellent writing and interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to write well under pressure and on deadline
• The ability to adhere to style;
• Superb judgment;
• Knowledge of and commitment to reproductive and sexual health and justice issues;
• Three years of reporting experience;
• Skilled in teamwork and collaboration;
• Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends when necessary to cover a story;
• A self-starter with a strong work ethic; a creative thinker; able to work
  comfortably and effectively in a fast-paced environment;
  
• Able to work either alone or as part of a time under (sometimes intense) time pressure; to simultaneously multi-task (a critical aspect of this position); and to deliver great work with ease and grace;
• Excellent news judgment, an understanding of online spaces and publications;
• Working knowledge of blog platforms, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media sites;
• Creativity and new ideas;
• Ability to take direction and critique;
• A strong sense of humor;
• A high level of energy.
• Minimum three years’ experience as a writer/reporter/journalist in relevant field.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Knowledge of social networking, online communications and media monitoring.

Qualified applicants should send an electronic package of materials to apply@rhrealitycheck.org, including all of the following: An email cover letter indicating why you are interested, how you qualify, and your background in issues we cover; a resume demonstrating relevant experience; three recent writing samples, and three recommendations who are able to speak to your skills and who are willing to be contacted.
We regret that we may not be able to reply to all applicants. We also regret that we cannot consider applicants who do not provide all the above information.