About the Organization
Lincoln Media Foundation is a multi-regional media organization dedicated to exposing progressive media bias and reporting stories overlooked or distorted by legacy outlets. Founded in 2021 as a grassroots effort led by media professionals and local voices, the organization has expanded nationwide, with staff across multiple states and a global network of content creators.

Lincoln Media Foundation believes the most important stories are often local. Its reporters live in the communities they cover, allowing them to report with firsthand knowledge rather than from a distance. The organization operates independently of advertising pressures and algorithm-driven incentives while maintaining a commitment to accurate, transparent, and fair journalism.

About the Role
Lincoln Media is launching a Sacramento Capitol Bureau to deliver rigorous, on-the-ground coverage of California state government. We’re hiring a Capitol Bureau Reporter who will be embedded inside the State Capitol—covering legislative sessions, attending press conferences, and pressing elected officials for substantive answers on the policies that shape the lives of nearly 40 million Californians.

This is a role for a journalist who thrives in a fast-paced political environment, builds deep source networks, and produces sharp, authoritative reporting across both written and video formats. You’ll break news, hold power to account, and ensure our audience is the first to know what’s happening under the dome.

This is a full-time role based in Sacramento, CA. This position will report to the California State Director.

Key Responsibilities

  • Cover the California State Legislature, Governor’s office, and state agencies on a daily basis from inside the Capitol building
  • Attend all major press conferences, committee hearings, and floor sessions; file timely, accurate reports under tight deadlines
  • Conduct on-the-record interviews with legislators, staffers, lobbyists, and other political figures—both scheduled sit-downs and hallway exchanges—pressing for substantive answers on policy and accountability
  • Record, edit, and publish daily short-form video content (60–90 second clips) for social media platforms including Instagram, TikTok, X, and YouTube Shorts
  • Produce 3–5 written articles per week ranging from breaking news alerts to in-depth investigative features
  • Develop and maintain a deep network of Capitol sources including legislative staff, agency officials, lobbyists, and advocacy organizations
  • Monitor legislative calendars, bill trackers, and committee agendas to identify newsworthy stories before they break
  • Collaborate with the California State Director and the broader Lincoln Media newsroom to pitch enterprise stories and contribute to long-term investigative projects
  • Represent Lincoln Media at Capitol media events and maintain professional credibility among the Sacramento press corps

Required Qualifications

  • 2+ years of professional journalism experience, preferably covering government, politics, or public policy
  • Demonstrated track record of producing accountability journalism—stories that hold powerful people and institutions to account
  • Strong on-camera presence and comfort with video reporting; ability to shoot and edit clips on a smartphone or portable camera
  • Excellent news judgment and the ability to identify, develop, and break stories independently
  • Deep understanding of California state government structure, the legislative process, and current policy debates
  • Exceptional writing skills with the ability to produce clean, compelling copy on tight deadlines
  • Ability to build and maintain confidential source relationships
  • Proficiency with social media platforms and an understanding of what content performs well on each
  • Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Political Science, Communications, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience)

Preferred Qualifications

  • Previous experience covering the California State Capitol or a state legislature
  • Existing source network within Sacramento political circles
  • Experience with multimedia storytelling, including podcast or live-streaming
  • Familiarity with public records requests (California Public Records Act) and FOIA processes

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience
  • Health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Paid time off and company holidays
  • Equipment budget for reporting gear (camera, microphone, lighting kit)
  • The opportunity to help build a bureau from the ground up and shape its editorial voice
  • A newsroom culture that values fearless, independent journalism
  • Extensive network of relationships across California’s political and private sectors.

How to Apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter detailing your alignment with the organization, why you’re the right reporter for this beat, and your salary requirements
  • Resume
  • 3–5 published clips demonstrating accountability or political reporting
  • 1–2 video samples (links to published social clips or demo reel)

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Stephanie Keaveney, Director of Talent Intelligence at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

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