Billings Local Reporter

Description:

Montana Free Press (MTFP), the states fastest-growing nonprofit news organization, is hiring a Billings-based reporter to anchor a new local newsletter and lead coverage of Yellowstone County. This is not a traditional beat reporting role. You will own and shape a Billings newsletter, a smart, distinctive, must-read guide to what matters in Montanas largest city. You will be the voice of Billings for thousands of readers, building a weekly relationship that helps people understand whats happening, who holds power, how decisions get made, and other local forces affecting their lives. Were looking for a journalist who can break news and produce memorable reporting.

This is a full-time position for a driven, community-oriented journalist eager to report stories that explain how policy and politics shape the lives of local residents. Were looking for a journalist who is deeply curious about how people in Billings live and who sees accountability reporting as a public service. Youll cover local government, policy decisions, and community debates in Yellowstone County with a beat that includes local elections, education, criminal justice, business and beyond. Youll combine original reporting, sharp curation, clear explanation, and compelling visuals to create a newsletter readers rely on week after week. In addition to writing for the newsletter, you will write articles for the Montana Free Press site, and report video and visual posts for our social media channels and contribute to live community events.

What youll doOwn and write a Billings-based newsletter that is engaging, useful, and habit-formingReport breaking, daily, and enterprise stories in Yellowstone CountyCover local government, elections, education, criminal justice, business, and community debatesCover elections and monitor the work of the regions state legislative delegationGo beyond meeting coverage to show how policy decisions shape peoples livesBreak newsand clearly explain why it mattersCurate the most important news from Billings and Montana, adding context and insightBuild sources across the communityfrom City Hall to neighborhoods to business and cultureProduce visual journalism: take photos and shoot simple video for social media and newslettersContribute to MTFPs website, social platforms, newsletters, and collaborative editorial projectsParticipate in audience engagement efforts and community eventsWhat were looking forYou are a distinctive writer, who can make readers feel like theyre getting the inside story of their city. Strong reporting instincts and local news judgmentThe ability to write with voice, clarity, and authoritySpeed and initiativewithout sacrificing accuracyCuriosity about how people live, work, and make decisions in BillingsAbility to get up to speed quickly on a place or beatA commitment to accountability and public service journalismComfort working independently while collaborating with a statewide newsroomBasic visual and social media skills (or willingness to learn): photography and simple video for socialA journalist who understands that reaching readers and viewers on social media is essential to covering a community.

What success looks likeYour newsletter becomes a must-read habit for people in BillingsReaders feel like they cant keep up with the city without youYou break stories that others followYou build trust with a wide range of sources and readersYou consistently connect daily news to the bigger forces shaping

MontanaMinimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience:

Strong reporting, writing and research skillsOrganized and goal-oriented with the ability to meet regular deadlinesAt least some professional journalism experience (internships or student work welcome)Ability to work independently, manage time effectively, and collaborate statewideCommitment to public service journalismFinal salary offers will carefully consider multiple factors, including prior experience, expertise and location, and may vary from the amount above. MTFP offers numerous benefits, including generous vacation (unlimited leave after 60 days of employment), a retirement fund contribution, paid family and caregiver leave, subsidized medical, dental, and vision premiums and more.

Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2026. Commitment to

Diversity:

MTFP is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. We encourage applicants from underrepresented backgrounds to apply. Even if you dont meet every qualification but are excited about this role, we encourage you to apply.

Statement of Ethics:

For more information about Montana Free Press and our mission, visit our website at montanafreepress.org. To read our ethics policy, visit: https://montanafreepress.org/best-practices/#code-of-ethics recblid 41v6z8jtx0x4viuozagxu13byefk7f Not Specified