[Hiring] Indigenous Montana Reporting Fellow @Montana Free Press

Role Description

Montana Free Press, in partnership with ICT, has an opening for an Indigenous reporting fellowship in Montana. The paid fellowship is open to:

• American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit, and Métis undergraduate or graduate college students
• Early-career journalists who want to develop reporting skills and contribute impactful community news coverage

The fellowship is an opportunity to deepen and broaden reporting and writing skills while learning from and collaborating with experienced journalists and news industry professionals across two newsrooms.

The fellow will work with a collaborative team of MTFP and ICT reporters and editors to report on Indigenous issues and communities in Montana, including but not limited to legislative news.

Qualifications

• A curious and resourceful journalist or aspiring journalist
• Interest in elevating issues that impact Indigenous communities in Montana

Requirements

• Develop sources within Indigenous communities in Montana and the American Indian Caucus of the Montana Legislature
• Cover breaking news and enterprise stories related to Indigenous affairs in multiple formats (digital, newsletters, broadcast, podcast, audio, social media)
• Conduct research and file records requests
• Work collaboratively with editors and fellow reporters/national correspondents
• Communicate openly and promptly to share information and ideas with colleagues throughout both organizations
• Use journalistic and ethical judgment
• Pay attention to detail and factual accuracy
• Use background in American Indian and Alaska Native issues, histories, and cultures, and federal Indian policy to provide context in news stories
• Capture photos and video for digital, broadcast, and social media platforms
• Travel to report stories, as needed

Benefits

• This is a full-time, temporary fellowship from January until May, with some options for flexibility
• The position pays $20-23/hour depending on experience
• The fellow will be eligible for health insurance (medical, vision, dental)
• A laptop and cell phone will be provided

How to Apply

Please use MTFP’s online hiring portal link below. The position is open until filled. Desired start date is January 4, 2027.

MTFP values a strong, dynamic newsroom and is committed to offering competitive salaries and benefits. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring curiosity, dedication, and a drive to succeed to their professional endeavors. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, contribute, and make an impact—there’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.

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 .