Reporter, Newsletters
Washington, DC
CQ and Roll Call – Editorial /
Full-time /
On-site
About the Position
CQ Roll Call is searching for an energetic and inquisitive journalist to write and curate a daily, must-read newsletter that helps a sophisticated audience understand policy-making by Congress and politics.
The successful candidate will be part of the News Production team, which is the central hub for copy editing, audience engagement, and website and newsletter production. This is an ideal position for a journalist looking to jump start a career writing and reporting about Congress. The job involves working evenings and occasional weekends, depending on the congressional schedule. It is Washington-based and involves some hours spent in the Capitol.
The role primarily involves reporting and writing the flagship CQ Morning Briefing newsletter, which is the gateway to news, analysis, documents and vote data available on the CQ website to subscribers. The job also includes web production duties such as preparing government documents and congressional amendments for subscribers and amplifying CQ and Roll Call through social media.
The successful candidate also will work in multimedia, lending your voice to the newsletter’s podcast and learning to write for audio.
About the CQ Roll Call Team
The staff writer is part of CQ Roll Call’s coverage of both policy and politics in FiscalNote’s mission to make government transparent for readers on the Hill, in the executive branch, and in the private-sector groups and NGOs with a stake in government decision-making.
About You
You are a self-motivated journalist with a broad interest in policy, Congress and the legislative process. You have an at least elementary understanding of the annual budget and appropriations process. You are a team player, able and willing to handle varied parts of the production process, with the flexibility to change plans on the fly should news dictate. You don't mind letting your (literal) voice be heard.
What to Expect in This Role
- Reporting, writing and aggregating items for the CQ Morning Briefing newsletter, published Monday through Friday when Congress is in session.
- Diving into the inner workings of committee work, floor activity and legislative procedure. In partnership with your editor, you’ll exercise strong news judgment to outline what a reader needs to know about the day ahead in Congress and to showcase journalism that helps our subscribers do their jobs.
- Writing audio scripts and recording a 90-second Morning Audio Briefing for listeners focused on the three things they need to know to start their day.
- Reporting and writing profiles of congressional candidates and members of Congress.
- Reporting and writing stories about Congress for publication under the CQ and Roll Call brands. Assignments may include breaking news, stories about congressional staff, and other topics of interest not being covered by beat reporters.
- Starting work generally at 1 p.m. Monday to Thursday and 11 a.m. on Friday, with additional flexibility during congressional recesses. Later start times are occasionally needed.
- Processing and posting documents and committee amendments made available to CQ subscribers.
- Editing and posting news briefs on the CQ website.
- Programming and publishing updated home pages for CQ and Roll Call websites.
What Sets You Apart
- At least 2 years of daily journalism experience as a reporter and writer for a newspaper or news-oriented website. Experience covering Congress or the federal government is strongly preferred.
- Ability to write quickly and cleanly.
- Working collaboratively with other teams across the newsroom.
- Ability to track congressional activity and highlight key committee and House or Senate floor work for readers. You must be comfortable learning the nuances of congressional floor procedure and know how to write about it in an accessible, clear way.
- A keen eye for detail. If you can explain the difference between a motion to proceed and a motion to recommit, or are ready to learn, this job is for you.
- Mastering AP, CQ Roll Call style and congressional terminology are required.
- Familiarity with WordPress or other content management systems.
