Washington DC ReporterChildren's Health Defense

The Washington, D.C.-based Sr. Reporter will cover federal regulatory agency news and policy, with a focus on health, food, environment, and agriculture. The Washington, D.C.-based Sr. Reporter works directly with the Editor-in-Chief and editorial staff to develop story ideas and write trending and in-depth news and feature stories. The Sr. Reporter is responsible for pitching story ideas to the editors and may be asked to cover general assignments in addition to agency/policy news. 

• Develop and maintain journalistic sources within key federal agencies, including:
• United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
• Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
• Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Produce comprehensive news, investigative and feature articles covering:
• Agricultural policy and legislation
• Food safety / nutrition regulations and initiatives
• Public health policy, including pharma industry and chemical industry regulations affecting food and the environment
• Regulatory changes affecting farming and food production
• Attend and report on congressional hearings, press conferences, and policy briefings related to food/agriculture and health
• Conduct interviews with policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups
• Develop data-driven stories that explain complex policy implications for general audience
• Research and write breaking news and in-depth news stories based on leads or as assigned
• Work with editors to develop newsworthy stories tailored to The Defender’s audience
• Rework pieces as requested by editors and update pieces as needed for ongoing or developing stories
• Meet all deadlines as requested by editors
• Assist in maintaining The Defender’s experts database by adding experts on specific topics who can be interviewed for future stories
• Work collaboratively with Defender team and others to produce quality work under tight deadlines
• Confirm details with a source(s) with detailed accuracy and a developed timeline (when needed) related to content for articles,
• May be asked to assist other writers in identifying sources to quote for stories and cultivate sources who can provide news tips
• May be asked to review, edit and refine other writers’ work
• May be asked to train more new staff members as needed
• Attend CHD/Defender meetings and events as required
• Respond to calls, emails and text communications in a timely manner
• All other duties as assigned

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or public policy
• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in political or policy reporting
• Deep understanding of Washington DC's policy ecosystem
• Proven track record of breaking significant policy stories
• Exceptional research and investigative skills
• Familiarity with government document research
• Strong working knowledge of agricultural, environmental and health policy landscapes
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to translate complex policy information into clear, engaging narratives
• Fluency in data journalism and statistical analysis
• Knowledge and alignment with CHD’s mission and values
• An exceptional understanding of online news + inverted pyramid style of reporting
• Strong interviewing skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to differentiate between fact and opinion
• Ability to do research, verify facts/sources, and cite sources
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under deadline pressure
• Strong knowledge of AP Stylebook
• Proficient in standard business software including but not limited to MS Office or similar, email , and Experience using Google Workspace, preferred
• Ability to multitask and prioritize
• Understanding of true journalistic standards
• Ability to work effectively remotely

Children’s Health Defense (CHD) is a litigation advocacy organization dedicated to protecting child health, ending the epidemic of children’s chronic health conditions by eliminating harmful environmental exposures, holding those responsible accountable, and establishing safeguards. Guided by science, we are tackling big pharma, holding big industry accountable at an unprecedented scale, and establishing safeguards to make a safer environment for children. We share our discoveries about harmful environmental exposures with the public and nurture a culture of leadership in communities. Our programs and resources cultivate science literacy and build a foundation of collaborative problem-solving among our next generation of leaders, scientists, physicians, citizens, and stewards. Working both nationally and internationally, our collaborative approach engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.