[Hiring] Policy Staff Writer @Ballotpedia

Role Description

Ballotpedia seeks a full-time, 100% remote Staff Writer to join our Policy Team. Ballotpedia’s Policy Team researches, curates, and neutrally presents the basic facts, key terms, and core arguments surrounding many important public policy debates in America. As a Policy Staff Writer, you will be part of a team helping Ballotpedia focus on becoming a complete Encyclopedia of American Politics. You will strive to understand and help our readers understand the true nature of complex policy debates, which may include:

• Building indices of key arguments for an issue on all sides of the political spectrum.
• Participating in large, 50-state research projects on policy areas in question.
• Maintaining and improving existing Ballotpedia coverage.

Applicants should know that the day-to-day work is generally balanced between writing and research. In this role, you will:

• Write encyclopedic pages and promotional content to break down complex policy terms, court cases, arguments, reform proposals, and other concepts for the average reader.
• Research, compile, and present information in various formats, including spreadsheets and databases.

To succeed at Ballotpedia, you must be self-aware and personally invested in constant improvement. You must have a passion for creating a delightful experience for Ballotpedia’s readers and donors, and strive to develop expertise in your subject and the inner workings of your project.

Qualifications

• A demonstrated passion for Ballotpedia’s mission.
• Knowledge of the United States political system.
• Personal interest in U.S. policy, with professional experience in covering federal or state lawmaking an added benefit.
• A desire to work collaboratively with Ballotpedia staff from multiple departments.
• Comfort seeking and responding to feedback.
• A drive for innovation and flexibility, and an ability to identify and solve problems proactively.
• Self-awareness and a drive toward constant improvement.
• Interest in or experience using AI tools to increase productivity.
• A familiarity with the administrative state, the federal rulemaking process, and/or public assistance programs such as SNAP or Medicaid is preferred.

Requirements

• Interact with customers, including but not limited to donors, external and internal stakeholders, and media, in a professional, helpful, and pleasant manner.
• Use and generate complex procedure checklist documentation to perform key tasks.
• Edit content from multiple perspectives to unearth new improvement opportunities.
• Learn and master Ballotpedia’s taxonomy of bias and Style Guide.
• Learn from and apply feedback others give, such as in Master Classes.
• Identify trends in policy developments that span multiple areas.
• Work with breaking news, including having an eye for developing stories.
• Apply proper judgment when monitoring news to know which stories merit coverage.
• Conduct research efficiently and seek out the best possible sources.
• Collaborate professionally and effectively with coworkers and external partners.
• Innovate to improve work processes and enhance content quality.
• Think creatively beyond standard article components to include additional content.
• Use and master complex tools such as templates and spreadsheets.

Benefits

• The starting pay for the Policy Staff Writer is $42,500-44,000.
• Bonuses based on performance.
• An $8,000 annual benefits stipend, which may be used to pay for a complete benefits package, including health, vision, and dental insurance; retirement accounts; and more.
• If benefits are not elected, the $8,000 stipend is taxed as regular income and added to salary.

To Apply

To apply, click ‘Apply for this job’ below and complete the form. Please attach:

• Résumé
• Cover letter detailing your interest in Ballotpedia’s mission and this position
• Neutral writing sample (under five pages)

Note: please include this in the same file as your cover letter. Please ensure that either your résumé or cover letter includes your current address. Applications without a valid address will not be accepted.

Please note that if you are hired for this position, 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.