[Hiring] Law Team Staff Writer @Ballotpedia

Role Description

Ballotpedia is seeking a full-time, 100% remote Staff Writer to join our Law Team to primarily focus on election policy. The Law Team is responsible for becoming experts in the policies, stories, and conflicts that matter most to voters, constituents, and the public at large, including election administration. We cover stories and policies at all levels of government, from federal to local.

A successful staff writer will be passionate and knowledgeable about politics and public policy—including election policy. They will be comfortable conducting extensive research using various sources.

• Write about complex topics in a neutral, clear, and concise manner.
• Demonstrate excellent writing, organizational skills, proofreading ability, and familiarity with style guides.
• Embrace critical feedback as an opportunity to deliver greater value.
• Maintain orderly habits and perceive external disorder as an opportunity to innovate and improve.

Responsibilities

• Conduct original research and analysis on topics relevant to election policy.
• Develop 50-state knowledge of election administration policies and procedures.
• Internalize election administration issues covered across Ballotpedia.
• Identify opportunities to expand Ballotpedia’s coverage of election policy topics.
• Build and manage assigned articles in line with Ballotpedia's writing guidelines.
• Contribute to the operation of Ballotpedia’s Election Policy Legislation Tracker.
• Monitor breaking news daily and make timely updates to articles.
• Respond to news by quickly developing new articles as needed.
• Contribute to the publication of Ballotpedia's newsletter products.
• Use and generate complex procedure checklist documentation.
• Ensure that your team's managing editor is aware of project progress.
• Learn and master Ballotpedia’s taxonomy of bias.
• Interact with co-workers, customers, and the media in a professional manner.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated passion for Ballotpedia’s mission.
• Knowledge of the United States political system.
• Personal interest in U.S. election policy.
• Professional or academic writing or legislative research experience.
• Experience using spreadsheets to manage large quantities of data.
• Superb organizational skills and a focus on detail.
• A desire to work collaboratively with Ballotpedia staff from multiple departments.
• Comfort seeking and responding to feedback.
• A drive for innovation and flexibility.
• Interest in or experience using AI tools to increase productivity.

Environment

The Law Team Staff Writer will work remotely from their home location. All Ballotpedia staff work remotely. To join Ballotpedia, you must have a computer with Internet access. Ballotpedia uses the Google Suite, Slack, and Asana to accomplish our goals.

Ballotpedia has a flexible work environment, BP Flex, in which every employee enjoys unlimited vacation and flexibility in scheduling.

Compensation

The starting pay range for the Law Team Staff Writer is $42,500-$44,000, commensurate with experience.

• Annual benefits stipend equivalent to $8,000.
• Stipend may be used for health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement accounts; and more.

To Apply

To apply please visit our job opportunities page and complete an application on our website. Please attach the following in PDF format if possible:

• résumé
• cover letter detailing your interest in Ballotpedia’s mission/this position
• neutral writing sample (under five pages)

Please ensure that either your résumé or your cover letter includes your current address.

Ballotpedia participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.