In the 16 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

The Health Care Reporter covers the most important health care stories in Vermont, ranging from hospital budgets to insurance rates to policy crafted at the Statehouse. The financial stability of Vermont’s hospitals and insurers is poised to be a major topic in the years ahead and requires a skilled reporter to help readers engage with and understand the potential changes ahead.

This is one of the most critical and complex beats in Vermont. This reporter will be responsible for producing high-impact stories on a wide range of health care topics, including hospital and health system budgets, state and federal policy, public health, medical research, insurance and the social determinants of health.

The Health Care Reporter will explain complicated issues clearly and compellingly, break news, develop strong sourcing, and write with both precision and humanity. The Health Care Reporter is expected to file 3-4 stories each week that help Vermonters understand the complexities of health care. 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Report and write enterprise, investigative and daily news stories on health care across Vermont.
• Track developments in state agencies (e.g., Green Mountain Care Board, Department of Health, Agency of Human Services) and monitor relevant legislation.
• Cover health care financing, medical workforce challenges, hospital consolidation, Medicaid/Medicare issues and scientific or technological innovations.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of sources including policymakers, providers, scientists, patients and advocates.
• Pitch original story ideas regularly and collaborate with editors on developing coverage priorities.
• Utilize public records and data analysis to deepen reporting and uncover trends.
• Produce stories that serve diverse Vermont communities and reflect the breadth of the state’s geography, demographics and care needs.

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
• Commitment to cultivating and developing an inclusive culture and working relationships across the organizations and enhancing a sense of belonging
• Communicative and collaborative across the organizations, 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

• At least 3 years of professional reporting preferred
• Ability to meet deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to cover a beat
• Passion for enterprise and investigative reporting
• Clear understanding of journalism principles, standards and style
• Curiosity, flexibility and a willingness to tackle stories over a range of subjects

Working Conditions

VTDigger’s office is located in Montpelier, Vermont. The Health Care Reporter must follow VTDigger’s office attendance protocols and 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. The Health Care 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 submit a resume, cover letter, three clips (preferably in PDF format). The three clips should be sent to HR@vtdigger.org. The deadline to apply is June 27, 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.