General Assignment Reporter (Breaking News) - West Coast

The Guardian is a global, reader-funded news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences’ understanding of America and the world.

The Guardian’s US edition – headquartered in New York City, with growing bureaus in Washington DC and Los Angeles – is an entirely digital operation that combines the best of the Guardian’s international reporting with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, wellness, culture, digital privacy and sports – all highlighting the Guardian’s distinctive role within the US media landscape: journalism that’s global, independent, and free. 

It’s the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to the Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

The Guardian US is looking for an experienced breaking news reporter to bolster our reporting team on the west coast and support story-led daily coverage of national and international news stories.

Department: Editorial, Guardian US
Reports to: West Coast Editor
Location: Los Angeles, California (preferred)

Terms and conditions: Full time, News Media Guild position. 11 - 7 pm PST schedule, Sunday - Thursday schedule

Salary range: $75,000-$88,000, plus weekend differential

Key responsibilities

• Report and write news stories, live blogs, explainers and news features for the national news desk, as assigned by a news editor or pitched
• Produce fast, accurate and well-written stories on some of the major news subject areas, with an emphasis on coverage of politics and foreign affairs. 
• Work as a collaborative member of a digital-first newsroom as part of a regular seven-day rotation of general news reporters
• Produce accurate and compelling daily news stories with flair, originality and knowledge of Guardian style and tone. Those stories should also have a global appeal, telling Guardian stories about America to an overseas audience as much as a US one
• Innovate with new forms of storytelling powered by the social web and built for mobile consumption
• Conceive of coverage in a digital way, embracing new storytelling platforms, engaging on current and evolving social-media platforms, participating in video and interactive reports, and collaborating on special projects around the world
• Balance hard-news reporting with colorful writing and live blogging skills that are increasingly crucial to our newsroom

Knowledge & experience

• A minimum of five years experience in digital reporting for a prominent newspaper or website
• Excellent knowledge of the US news landscape across multiple topic areas and how that news might also work for a global audience
• Track record writing about US political news and major national news
• Awareness of Guardian house style and standards

Skills & aptitudes

• Ability to deliver well-written stories for web and print on deadline
• Excellent news judgement and high standards for fair and accurate reporting
• Ability to work with colleagues and news desks across multiple time zones and continents
• Ability to generate fresh ideas and angles
• Excellent communication skills
• Calm under pressure
• Willingness to accept constructive feedback
• Self-starter

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

All candidates interested in applying should upload a resume and cover letter.

We value honesty in your application. AI generated content must not be presented as your own work. Please review our guidance on the use of AI in your application here.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at [email protected] to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Compensation and benefits

• 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
• Unlimited sick time
• Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
• 401(k) Match
• Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
• Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous parental leave with 100% pay
• Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Commuter benefits
• Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule
   

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

***

The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.