In the 15 years since it was founded, VTDigger has become Vermont’s essential source of news and investigation — and a model for sustainable, nonprofit journalism across the country.

We work to promote our mission of producing rigorous journalism that explains complex issues, promotes public accountability and fosters democratic and civic engagement each and every day.

Summary

This journalist covers business, labor and economic issues in Vermont — and helps to fill gaps elsewhere in VTDigger’s coverage as a general assignment reporter. 

This person searches for trends and developments in Vermont’s eclectic economy, including its tech, manufacturing, health care, education, tourism, outdoor recreation, hospitality and service sectors. By working their sources, combing through reports and analyzing data, they develop an understanding of the challenges Vermont businesses face and opportunities for them to innovate and grow. The reporter explains to readers how changes in the state’s economy are affecting workers, consumers and taxpayers. 

This position involves tracking leads from VTDigger’s tip line; covering state agencies charged with supporting, promoting and regulating businesses, and localizing changes to federal policy; contributing to Statehouse coverage; and tackling such topics as Vermont’s workforce shortage, aging population and broadband deployment. 

The reporter’s general assignment duties will vary widely. The position may evolve over time, based on the newsroom’s needs and the reporter’s interests. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Writes 3-4 stories a week
• Generates compelling pitches and cultivates sources on the beat 
• Fulfills story assignments made by editors
• Meets deadlines set in collaboration with editors and works collaboratively through the editing process
• Works with multimedia team to ensure stories include strong visual, data and audio/video elements when possible
• Contributes to legislative coverage, including VTDigger’s Final Reading newsletter
• Reports in-person when possible to establish relationships with sources in the business, labor and economic communities
• Closely monitors local, state and national media coverage in search of fresh angles on established stories
• Places public records requests and seeks out investigative pieces
• Communicates professionally with sources, readers and colleagues
• Attends and participates in newsroom, all-staff and, as needed, cross-functional team meetings
• Attends VTDigger events, as needed

Position Requirements

• Commitment and dedication to VTDigger’s mission, goals and values
• Exceptional attention to detail
• Commitment to accuracy and fairness
• Adherence to the highest ethical standards
• A digital-first mentality and interest in ensuring newsletters serve readers
• Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organization and enhancing a sense of belonging
• Communicative and collaborative across the organization, with employees and with VTDigger’s audiences
• Maintaining high standards of expectations for themself, their team, the leadership and the organization
• Commitment to continual improvement and learning

Skills and Experience

• Professional reporting experience
• Ability to meet short deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to cover a beat
• Passion for investigative reporting
• Clear understanding of journalism principles, standards and style
• Knowledge of business and economic issues preferred but not required
• Curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to tackle stories over a range of subjects

Working Conditions

Our office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. Though we do not currently require employees to work from the office, the business and general assignment reporter is expected to report in person, around the state and, during the legislative session, from the Vermont Statehouse. This reporter must work from Vermont.

Hours

Reporters typically work from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays, but exact hours will vary based on news needs. This reporter may occasionally cover events at night and over the weekend, in consultation with their editor.

Physical Demands

Work involves accomplishing most duties from a seated or standing position. This position may involve frequent bending, standing for extended periods of time, walking and working in all types of weather conditions. Transportation to assignments around the region, conducting in-person interviews and attending public meetings are necessary. There is potential for eye strain from reading detailed materials on a computer screen. Deadlines, workloads during peak periods, and changing priorities may cause increased stress levels. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  

Application process and deadline

Interested candidates should click the "apply now" link below to submit a resume and cover letter. They should then email three clips (preferably in PDF format) to HR@vtdigger.org. The deadline to apply is Jan. 3, 2025, at noon. 

We recognize there are great candidates who may not think they’re the right fit for this job or who have important skills and experiences we haven’t considered. If that sounds like you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us more about yourself. VTDigger is committed to constantly improving our organization, in part by better reflecting the communities we serve. We are dedicated to creating an inclusive workplace for all people. We especially encourage members of communities that are traditionally underrepresented and misrepresented in the media to apply to join our team, including those who are Black, Indigenous or people of color; women; LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities.