Politics Correspondent

As Pulitzer Prize-winning Lookout Santa Cruz enters its sixth year, we’re looking for an experienced government and public policy reporter, able to break news, provide near-immediate context and write engagingly and clearly on the many local issues of the day. Santa Cruz County is a vital, active civic community and readers have looked to Lookout for first and best coverage, here mainly focused on the county and the city of Santa Cruz. Have you proven you get under these stories of politics, policy and power and feed reader interest and engagement with Lookout and with the wider communities we serve? We’ve told these stories well for half a decade, with a Pulitzer a pinnacle, but more importantly with every-day, every-week incisive, explanatory journalism distinguishing ourselves.

We prize versatility in storytelling and format and our collegial correspondent team are fast becoming comfortable video creators. We tell our best stories through people, whether dailies or the kind or accountability work that has increasingly sets us apart: https://lookout.co/lookout-santa-cruzs-growing-impact . We are an-person newsroom, now growing from 10 to 12, seeking a new colleague who will immerse themselves in all things Santa Cruz, while knowingly understanding national trends and context.

You are well-versed in data and records, and have begun to use the modern AI tools of the day to aid your work. We’d appreciate seeing your best narrative storytelling, a key part of what readers expect.

About Lookout Local: Earlier this year, we launched our second site with Lookout Eugene-Springfield, to great immediate reception and success. Key in that is the work of Ben Botkin , who has already broken statewide investigative work and established himself as the leading voice in Lane County politics. That work provides a template of what we will produce in Santa Cruz in 2026. Overall, we are building a modern company of journalists and friends in a collaborative, in-office, community-centric environment. As we now plan Lookouts 3-5, we are building a pipeline of ambitious talent.

What is expected of you:

Our reporters will provide timely, useful, and connect-the-dots reporting that distinguishes the Lookout model. Readers know our reporters through the bylines and photos and look to them for reliable news and information.This role involves working deeply into Politics, Policy and Power, collaborating with colleagues on both breaking news and in-depth pieces, and excelling at narrative storytelling. The ideal candidates will provide fair, accurate, and non-partisan news, work at the cadence of digital publishing, and be enthusiastic about the responsible use of newer technologies. We’re looking for journalists who see the power of revived local journalism and have the skills and enthusiasm to be part of a new team doing it.

Responsibilities:

• Reporting and Storytelling:
• Provide timely, useful, and connect-the-dots reporting on assigned beats.
• Create narrative stories that give readers a fair, accurate, and non-partisan sense of the news that matters most to them.
• Collaborate with colleagues on breaking news and in-depth pieces.
• Conduct thorough research and investigations, verify facts and cross-check information to ensure reliability.
• Write clear, concise, and compelling stories in various styles, from breaking news to in-depth features.
• Look for ways to help readers participate in their communities and to be of service to them.
• Digital Proficiency:
• Work at the cadence of digital publishing, ensuring timely updates and responsiveness to breaking news.
• Collaboration and Teamwork:
• Collaborate with fellow journalists and editors to share insights, story ideas, resources, and expertise.
• Community Engagement:
• Engage with the community to understand their needs and interests, reflecting this in reporting.
• Build and maintain a network of sources and contacts. Develop relationships with key community members, officials, and experts.
• Represent Lookout Santa Cruz at community events and forums.

Qualifications:

• Proven, relevant experience as a journalist with a track record of timely and impactful reporting.
• Strong narrative storytelling skills with a commitment to fair, accurate, and non-partisan journalism.
• Proficiency with digital publishing tools and a keen interest in emerging technologies.
• Deep understanding of beat reporting and the ability to develop and maintain a network of sources.
• Demonstrated ability to serve readers’ news and information needs.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
• Passion for Lookout’s mission and a deep understanding of the local community.

Application Process : Please send your resume and cover letter to jobs@lookoutlocal.com and put Santa Cruz, Politics, Policy and Power Correspondent in the subject line.