Capitol Bureau Reporter - Lincoln Media FoundationTalent Market

About the OrganizationLincoln Media Foundation is a multi-regional media organization dedicated to exposing progressive media bias and reporting stories overlooked or distorted by legacy outlets. Founded in 2021 as a grassroots effort led by media professionals and local voices, the organization has expanded nationwide, with staff across multiple states and a global network of content creators.Lincoln Media Foundation believes the most important stories are often local. Its reporters live in the communities they cover, allowing them to report with firsthand knowledge rather than from a distance. The organization operates independently of advertising pressures and algorithm-driven incentives while maintaining a commitment to accurate, transparent, and fair journalism.About the RoleLincoln Media is launching a Sacramento Capitol Bureau to deliver rigorous, on-the-ground coverage of California state government. We’re hiring a Capitol Bureau Reporter who will be embedded inside the State Capitol—covering legislative sessions, attending press conferences, and pressing elected officials for substantive answers on the policies that shape the lives of nearly 40 million Californians.This is a role for a journalist who thrives in a fast-paced political environment, builds deep source networks, and produces sharp, authoritative reporting across both written and video formats. You’ll break news, hold power to account, and ensure our audience is the first to know what’s happening under the dome.This is a full-time role based in Sacramento, CA. This position will report to the California State Director.Key ResponsibilitiesCover the California State Legislature, Governor’s office, and state agencies on a daily basis from inside the Capitol buildingAttend all major press conferences, committee hearings, and floor sessions; file timely, accurate reports under tight deadlinesConduct on-the-record interviews with legislators, staffers, lobbyists, and other political figures—both scheduled sit-downs and hallway exchanges—pressing for substantive answers on policy and accountabilityRecord, edit, and publish daily short-form video content (60–90 second clips) for social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube ShortsProduce 3–5 written articles per week ranging from breaking news alerts to in-depth investigative featuresDevelop and maintain a deep network of Capitol sources including legislative staff, agency officials, lobbyists, and advocacy organizationsMonitor legislative calendars, bill trackers, and committee agendas to identify newsworthy stories before they breakCollaborate with the California State Director and the broader Lincoln Media newsroom to pitch enterprise stories and contribute to long-term investigative projectsRepresent Lincoln Media at Capitol media events and maintain professional credibility among the Sacramento press corpsRequired Qualifications2+ years of professional journalism experience, preferably covering government, politics, or public policyDemonstrated track record of producing accountability journalism—stories that hold powerful people and institutions to accountStrong on-camera presence and comfort with video reporting; ability to shoot and edit clips on a smartphone or portable cameraExcellent news judgment and the ability to identify, develop, and break stories independentlyDeep understanding of California state government structure, the legislative process, and current policy debatesExceptional writing skills with the ability to produce clean, compelling copy on tight deadlinesAbility to build and maintain confidential source relationshipsProficiency with social media platforms and an understanding of what content performs well on eachBachelor’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)Preferred QualificationsPrevious experience covering the California State Capitol or a state legislatureExisting source network within Sacramento political circlesExperience with multimedia storytelling, including podcast or live-streamingFamiliarity with public records requests (California Public Records Act) and FOIA processesWhat We OfferCompetitive salary commensurate with experienceHealth, dental, and vision insurancePaid time off and company holidaysEquipment budget for reporting gear (camera, microphone, lighting kit)The opportunity to help build a bureau from the ground up and shape its editorial voiceA newsroom culture that values fearless, independent journalismExtensive network of relationships across California’s political and private sectors.How to ApplyTo apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:Cover letter detailing your alignment with the organization, why you’re the right reporter for this beat, and your salary requirementsResume3–5 published clips demonstrating accountability or political reporting1–2 video samples (links to published social clips or demo reel)Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Director of Talent Intelligence at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: Stephanie@talentmarket.org.There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.Talent Market, the liberty movement's talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.