Searchlight New Mexico is seeking a senior reporter covering health and related issues. The reporter will be tasked with digging deep into issues that shape New Mexico and the Southwest, a region that has long ranked as the worst in the country for child well-being, health care access, substance abuse and multi-generational trauma. Broad expertise is welcome.  

Searchlight New Mexico is an investigative nonprofit news outlet based in Santa Fe. We produce weekly, in-depth investigations and narrative pieces focused on issues that often don’t receive the coverage they deserve. We’re particularly focused on covering marginalized communities and tribal lands, where there are vast reserves of resilience amid endemic poverty and neglect. Our work is published by every news outlet in New Mexico, in addition to The Guardian, Rolling Stone, USA Today Network, Slate, The Trace, Indian Country Today and others. 

Our reporters are expected to go deep on issues, through sourcing, data and public records, and to return with human-driven stories that go beyond the headlines. We value a collaborative approach between reporter and editor, reporter and colleagues and with other media. We hold reporters to a high standard of reporting, sourcing and cultural competency. We foster a love of words and storytelling in the public interest.

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 health issues a plus
  • Keen interest in health 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 July 1, 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 and a cover letter to amy@searchlightnm.org.