Texas Monthly is hiring a full-time writer to cover Texas’s political leaders and movements, the policies they enact, and their impact on Texans. Rather than focus on incremental or breaking-news coverage, Texas Monthly’s news and politics coverage aims to create narratives and commentaries that are vivid and memorable, and shed original light on current affairs and raging Texas debates, with a literary flair—humor, wit, and distinctive voice—that is a core part of the magazine’s legacy. This writer will be a key component of the magazine’s political coverage and should be comfortable writing quick-turn colorful dispatches and more deeply reported pieces. This writer will establish an area of coverage with deep sourcing and ability to deliver scoops, but will also write across various areas of interest.

This full-time staff position is based in Texas and reports to the senior editor for news and politics. It offers stability at a nationally renowned media company that is growing in audience, revenue and editorial staff. Its culture is defined by collegiality, curiosity, ambition, experimentation, the highest journalistic standards, and an abiding sense of service to our millions of readers both in and outside of Texas. This position offers generous benefits, including a comprehensive health-insurance plan, 401(k) matching, profit sharing, and eligibility for performance-based bonuses. Compensation is competitive and negotiable.

Job responsibilities include, but may not be limited to:

• Reporting and writing 2–3 news and politics stories per month, including occasional columns for the print magazine, with the opportunity to produce 1–2 longform stories per year
• Contributing writing, ideas, and research to some of the magazine’s most iconic franchises, such as the longtime Best and Worst Legislators list and the annual Bum Steer Awards
• Developing sources to deliver regular pitches for both short- and long-term reporting

Interested candidates should fill out this form. Only applications submitted through that form will be considered. Applications for this position will be reviewed on a rolling basis until December 29. Promising applicants will be selected for an initial screening interview; finalists will then have an interview with the editor-in-chief and other major stakeholders. Potential candidates who are interested in learning more about the position before applying can book an informational phone call with the director of editorial operations at this link.

Successful candidates will possess the following:

• Previous experience reporting on Texas politics
• At least five years of journalism experience
• The ability to write compelling narrative- and character-focused stories
• The ability to balance sharp analysis with precision and fairness
• A proven track record of cultivating sources
• The ability to balance long-term reporting projects with quicker-turn writing assignments and ongoing source development

About Texas Monthly

Since 1973, Texas Monthly has chronicled life in contemporary Texas, reporting on vital issues such as politics, criminal justice, the environment, industry, and education. Often referred to as “the National Magazine of Texas,” Texas Monthly is known for smart, literary journalism and in-depth investigative reporting that illuminates issues of public policy and drives the discussion of what’s important in the Lone Star State. Additionally, Texas Monthly continues to be the indispensable authority on the Texas scene, covering music, the arts, travel, restaurants, museums, and cultural events with its insightful recommendations.

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