Capitol Impact Reporter

The Capitol Impact Reporter is an experienced journalist responsible for independently developing, reporting, and producing original coverage of California state government and its impact on the Sacramento region. Rather than focusing on political process, this role focuses on consequences — helping audiences understand how decisions made by state leaders affect their jobs, schools, housing, cost of living, and daily lives. A significant portion of this reporter’s coverage will focus on the Sacramento region’s nearly 100,000 state government employees. The ideal team player consistently asks: What does this mean for the people who live and work in our region? Through original reporting, source development, and enterprise journalism, this position delivers clear, impactful coverage that connects public policy to the communities it serves.

If you value public television, consider joining our PBS KVIE team, whose mission is to inspire you to explore the world and connect with your community through the integrity of public media.

PBS KVIE's Ideal Team Player:

• supports our mission to inspire viewers to explore the world and connect with our community through the integrity of public media.
• celebrates inclusion, community, and diverse perspectives.
• values a culture of team spirit and collaboration.
• embraces innovation and creativity.
• strives to do more and be more.

• Independently identifies, develops, prioritizes, and executes original enterprise and breaking news stories covering the California State Capitol as it affects the four-county Sacramento region — Sacramento, El Dorado, Placer, and Yolo counties — with a consistent focus on consequences over process.
• Produces regular news stories, features, and explanatory pieces for Abridged, exercising professional editorial judgment in determining story angles, sources, reporting methods, and presentation.
• Evaluates complex legislative, regulatory, budgetary, and workforce-related information and translates findings into clear, accurate, and engaging journalism.
• Develops and maintains a broad network of sources, including elected officials, legislative staff, agency leaders, labor organizations, policy experts, and community stakeholders.
• Conducts investigative and accountability reporting through interviews, public records requests, data analysis, and independent research.
• Analyzes budgets, agency reports, legislative proposals, and public records to identify trends, impacts, and emerging stories.
• Collaborates with editors, visual journalists, and multimedia staff to develop cross-platform storytelling initiatives.
• Exercises independent judgment while working under general editorial direction.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Must be mission-driven and passionate about the role of public media.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and other technology tools relevant to the position.
• Demonstrates clear, effective, and proactive communication.
• Detail-oriented with the ability to multitask, prioritize responsibilities, and manage time effectively.
• Ability to collaborate and work effectively with diverse stakeholders as part of a team.
• Positively and professionally represents PBS KVIE and Abridged throughout the community, and in forums and events related to news and information.
• Leverages AI and technology tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining independent judgment and responsibility for the accuracy, originality, integrity, confidentiality, and quality of all work product, in compliance with organizational policies, journalistic ethics, and professional standards.
• Proven ability to analyze and interpret complex public policy, budgetary, labor, and governmental issues, uncover their impact on local communities, and translate those findings into compelling, audience-focused journalism.
• Proficiency in technology and software to enhance efficiency in editing, newsroom management, database organization, and analytics.
• Experience utilizing public records laws, investigative reporting techniques, and data analysis tools.
• Ability to communicate complex information clearly to diverse audiences.

• BA/BS degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Public Policy, or related field; equivalent experience considered.
• Minimum 3 – 5 years of professional journalism experience covering government, politics, public policy, labor, business, or related beats.
• Experience covering California state government, public agencies, or legislative affairs preferred.
• Experience with data journalism, public records reporting, and multimedia storytelling preferred.

• Must have a valid California driver’s license and meet insurance standards.
• Available to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Local travel required.

We are committed to diversity. Our goal is to build and foster a culture where open-minded and varied perspectives are encouraged and celebrated. Diversity is an integral part of how we function as an organization.

We believe all voices should be heard and represented through a lens of authenticity. We represent and serve Northern California's communities by producing content and programming that inspires and connects.

We value our team. We recognize our strong and cohesive collective helps us to grow as a public media and community leader. Creating an environment where employees feel safe and supported is vital to our success.

PBS KVIE EEO Policy: We are an equal opportunity employer and make employment decisions based on merit. Our practice is to hire the best available person for every job. Company policy prohibits unlawful discrimination based on race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hairstyles and textures), color, creed, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, reproductive health decision-making, or related medical condition), gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, registered domestic partner status, age, national origin (including immigration and/or citizenship status), ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition including genetic characteristics, military or veteran status, political activities/affiliation, or any other consideration made unlawful by federal, state, or local laws. We also prohibit unlawful discrimination based on the perception that anyone has any of those characteristics or is associated with a person who has been or is perceived as having any of those characteristics. PBS KVIE is an equal opportunity employer, and strictly prohibits unlawful discrimination by any employee, including managers, supervisors, and co-workers. All such discrimination is unlawful.

Any applicant or employee who requires an accommodation to perform the essential functions of the job must contact a department manager or human resources to request specific accommodations. We will engage in a timely, good faith, interactive process to determine the need for a reasonable accommodation. If a reasonable accommodation exists and will not impose an undue hardship on the Company, an accommodation will be made.

PBS KVIE Background Check Policy: PBS KVIE conducts criminal background checks for all new employees (including credit and DMV background checks when appropriate for the position).

NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE: Due to the high volume, we will not accept or respond to phone/email inquiries. Candidates will receive an electronic acknowledgment after receipt of their online application. Qualified candidates will be contacted for a phone screening.