News and Politics Writer at Texas Monthly

October 20, 2022
Texas

Texas Monthly is hiring a full-time staff writer to cover state politics and policy. This writer will enjoy the opportunity to develop stories that, while timely, look beyond each day’s breaking news and are built around vivid scenes, characters, narratives, and original analysis that add value for our readers. This writer will shed fresh light on current affairs in Texas debates, with the literary flair that is a core part of the magazine’s legacy. This writer will cover, among other stories, the upcoming legislative session, and should be comfortable writing quick-turn dispatches from the Texas Capitol, clever commentary that illuminates the bigger picture, and more deeply reported stories that give readers context and insight on Texas’s political scene that they can’t find elsewhere.

This is a full-time position with generous benefits, including a comprehensive health-insurance plan, 401(k) matching, profit sharing, and the opportunity for annual bonuses. The staff writer will report to the senior editor for news and politics. Compensation is competitive and negotiable. We prefer that the writer be based in Austin but are open to applicants based elsewhere in Texas, if they are willing to travel frequently.

Job responsibilities include, but may not be limited to: 

  • Reporting and writing one news and politics story a week for the website, including on the Texas Legislature, statewide officials, and elections
  • Reporting and writing occasional front-of-book stories for the print magazine
  • Contributing writing, ideas, and research to some of the magazine’s most iconic print packages, such as the longtime Best and Worst Legislators package and the annual Bum Steer Awards
  • Regularly pitching story ideas


Successful candidates will possess the following:

  • Understanding of (and preferably experience reporting on) Texas politics
  • At least 2–3 years of previous journalism experience
  • An ability to report and write compelling narrative- and character-focused stories
  • An ability to write sharp, original analysis with precision and fairness
  • A proven track record for cultivating a diverse range of sources in government and/or politics

Interested candidates should email a résumé, a cover letter, and three links to their published work to [email protected] with the job title in the subject line. Applications for this position should be submitted by November 18 and may be reviewed on a rolling basis until that date. Promising applicants will be selected for an initial screening interview; finalists will then have an interview with the editor-in-chief and other major stakeholders. Potential candidates who are interested in learning more about the position before applying can book an informational phone call with the director of editorial operations at this link.

Texas Monthly is committed to diversity and to cultivating an inclusive environment. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or veteran status.

For more information, click here.