Searchlight New Mexico is looking for a senior reporter to write compelling, ambitious stories about education in New Mexico — one of the state’s richest and most important beats. Education issues here are inextricably entwined with poverty, inequity and culture, particularly in tribal lands like the Navajo Nation. We do the kind of reporting that examines societal issues and how they affect people’s lives — with an eye to affecting change.
The position offers a wealth of opportunities to cover stories of national importance — and to publish them in The Guardian, Slate, Rolling Stone, the USA Today Network, Indian Country Today and our 40 other media partners, across New Mexico and beyond.
We seek a reporter with a passion for telling in-depth, character-rich narratives that force people to sit up, pay attention and demand reform. A talent for investigative journalism and shoe-leather reporting is a must: Searchlight is dedicated to covering marginalized communities and news deserts, which means reporters often must travel to remote outposts (in some of the nation’s most beautiful landscapes). About 50 percent of the population is Hispanic/Latino and 11 percent is Native American; injustice and colonization play a major role in history here.
The ideal candidate will avoid jargon and tired writing. Instead, s/he will use vivid details to produce revelatory stories about the impacts on children in New Mexico, which has one of the nation’s worst educational systems. The state is ranked dead last for child well-being. More than 75% of fourth graders are not proficient in reading.
In short, this beat has untold possibilities. And the ideal candidate will be eager to explore them, using a combination of sensitivity, investigative chops and skill. The position offers flexibility and, most importantly, the time a reporter needs. Some of our investigations span months, freeing writers of the 24/7 news cycle so that they can do their best work.
Searchlight is an award-winning investigative news nonprofit, based in Santa Fe. We offer a hybrid schedule, with most staffers splitting their time between home and office.
Salary: Starting at $72,000, depending on experience
This is a full-time job with health and dental benefits, paid sick time, generous vacation time and other benefits. Candidates must be based in or willing to relocate to New Mexico.
Recommended experience:
- Five years of experience in journalism or related field
- A track record of successful investigative and enterprise reporting
- Demonstrated experience with, or interest in, narrative storytelling
- Solid experience with educational issues a plus
- Keen interest in education issues a must
To apply, send your resumé, a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and at least three relevant clips to Managing Editor Amy Linn, amy@searchlightnm.org. We’ll begin reviewing applications on April 10, 2023, and will continue to consider candidates until the post is filled.
We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive working environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We are an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. We encourage all applicants regardless of age, race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, AIDS/HIV status, national origin, veteran or disability status.
No phone calls, please.
Interested in working for Searchlight but don’t fit this job description? Don’t hesitate to get in touch! Tell us a little about yourself and send a resume to amy@searchlightnm.org.