The Rivard Report is seeking a full-time reporter to cover politics in San Antonio, including (but not limited to) Bexar County, and the Texas State House districts, and U.S. congressional districts that serve/include San Antonio. This growing, thriving city reflects a critical state and national political divide, with longtime Democratic representation of closer-in urban districts, a Republican hold on outer, suburban districts, and those notable districts where representatives, such as U.S. Rep. Will Hurd (R-Texas) work to appeal to both moderate Republicans and Democrats. We want a smart, experienced, digitally fluent reporter with initiative and speed to identify and cover breaking news but with the higher-level skills and thoughtfulness to write smart analysis and trend stories. The ideal candidate will look beyond the campaign press releases to tell original, significant stories about veteran political players, newcomers, political deals and races, and, especially, the influence and money behind the winning candidates. Who, and which businesses and interests, run politics in San Antonio? How is the local political landscape shifting at a time when more people of diverse racial, ethnic, and gender-identity backgrounds are demanding equal participation in politics at every level? As a key part of our digital news team, this reporter will be expected to break news and produce enterprise stories. We want a reporter who does that through traditional beat reporting, data reporting (in collaboration with our data editor), and narrative storytelling.

-- Strong reporting skills, with at least three years' experience covering politics in a newsroom. (Experience covering public officials on the city, county or state level also applies.)

-- Proven ability to write well-organized, accurate copy on tight deadlines while also conceiving and pursuing long-term project stories.

-- Willingness to work closely with editors (and other colleagues) in shaping the best stories for our audience.

-- Willingness to check political opinions at the door. We aim to produce impactful journalism that informs local and state decision-making, but we do not want a journalist on a “mission.”

-- Although not a requirement, the ideal candidate would speak Spanish.