Senior Reporter

See all current opportunities at OpenSecrets

About OpenSecrets

OpenSecrets is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to tracking money in U.S. politics and its influence on elections and public policy. As the nation’s most comprehensive resource for campaign finance and lobbying data, we empower journalists, researchers, advocates and millions more with data-driven tools and investigations to hold power accountable.

We’re a team of dedicated technologists, researchers, writers and data junkies dedicated to transparency. Many of us have been rocking this work since the ‘90s, and our passion for ensuring access to information runs deep. You’ll be joining a nimble, scrappy team that loves to continuously learn, grow, and evolve our work to ensure the public can continue to remain informed, and the accountability ecosystem served.

General job description

OpenSecrets seeks a highly motivated and skilled money-in-politics reporter to produce original, investigative stories for our award-winning news site. This role is crucial for breaking down complex political data into accessible, impactful journalism while actively shaping the next generation of political and data journalists through mentorship.

Key responsibilities

• Investigative reporting: Report, write, and edit high-quality, original articles on national money-in-politics issues, including campaign contribution trends, lobbying, foreign influence, super PACs, dark money groups, and officials’ personal finances.
• Data analysis and visualization: Utilize OpenSecrets' comprehensive data to break national news and identify key trends. Create effective data visualizations to accompany stories.
• Editorial support: Assist with developing story ideas for interns and freelancers.
• Mentorship and training: In conjunction with the Communications and Insights teams, actively mentor a revolving team of journalism interns, teaching best practices in political reporting and data journalism.
• External outreach and education: Conduct training sessions for student and professional journalists on how to effectively use OpenSecrets tools and understand the legal framework governing money in politics. Serve as an external voice for OpenSecrets through public speaking and digital media engagement.

Required qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of professional journalism, including investigative reporting, focused on U.S politics.
• Demonstrable understanding of the U.S. political system, specifically U.S. campaign finance laws, lobbying regulations, and the influence of money in policy.
• Proficiency in working with large datasets, including experience with analytics tools. Sound knowledge of data visualization software (e.g., DataWrapper, Infogram, or similar).
• Excellent research, writing, editing,and interpersonal skills. Proficient in AP Style. Strong communications skills for external audiences, including public speaking and digital media engagement.
• A self-starting, detail-oriented, and highly organized approach, with exemplary the ability to manage multiple deadline-driven projects.
• A strong commitment to OpenSecrets' nonpartisan mission and values, and adherence to the highest journalistic best practices.

Why join OpenSecrets?

At OpenSecrets, we combine mission-driven transparency work with high-quality, user-focused analyses. You'll work on meaningful products that impact democracy and accountability, and you'll be part of a collaborative andcurious team that values autonomy, quality, and innovation.

In addition, OpenSecrets offers the following benefits to full-time permanent employees:

• Competitive nonprofit salary, commensurate with experience
• Generous medical, dental, and visionbenefits
• Life and disability insurance
• 403(b) retirement plan (which includes up to a 2% match by OpenSecrets)
• Vacation and sick leave
• Flexible remote work environment
• Closed all federal holidays
• Mission-driven, collaborative team culture

For this role:

Location: Remote (US-based)
Reports To: Director of Communications & Marketing
Position Type: Full-time
Salary range: $75,000-$90,000 (commensurate with experience)

To Apply:

Please send a résumé and brief cover letter to jobs+reporter@opensecrets.org with the subject line “Reporter – [Your Name].” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

People of diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. OpenSecrets is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive organizational culture. We welcome all candidates and employees.