Statehouse Reporter, Legal Weed and Business
N.J. Advance Media is looking for an experienced journalist to report on New Jersey’s about-to-explode legal marijuana industry, Statehouse politics and policy, and how money affects the action of state government.
We are seeking a candidate who will develop deep sourcing, has a keen interest in covering the business of marijuana, campaign finance and big legislation — and a nose for politics. The job requires an understanding of how state government and the marijuana industry works —as well as the ability to write in a compelling style that explains how complicated issues have a direct impact on New Jersey residents.
As New Jersey’s multi-billion dollar medical marijuana industry gears up for real in 2022, the reporter should be able to break news and produce larger enterprise that matter to the marijuana business community, medical cannabis patients, consumers and the public. This will include the struggle of smaller operators vs. big business, towns that don’t want weed businesses in their back yard, communities harmed by the war on drugs and what kind of new economy this will bring.
Working closely with NJ.com’s NJ Cannabis Insider staff, the reporter will contribute to its weekly business trade journal and monthly industry events. This can include public speaking such as moderating a panel discussion at an in-person or virtual conference or for a televised audience. Other duties include using social media and our text messaging service to break news for a locked-in audience that relies on the latest cannabis information.
As part of the Statehouse team, the reporter will be an integral part of covering the constant swirl of politics, lawmaking and policy, and must have an ability to report on a wide range of topics. One priority will be to show how the trail of dollars, from campaign contributions to big-time lobbying to larger economic forces, can sway legislators and governors on issues that affect our readers, including the most vulnerable.
Coverage will include breaking news, deep analysis and regularly produced beat enterprise.
For this position, we are looking for a candidate with:
- A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field required
- A minimum of ten years in journalism with a proven ability in reporting and writing required, preferably including experience in budgets, business and politics.
- An ability to cultivate sources in government, business and advocacy groups to keep our coverage ahead of the pack
- Possession of a clear and engaging writing style
- A proven record of breaking news
- An ability to work independently under deadline pressure and prioritize tasks appropriately
- A sound understanding of news writing, journalistic ethics and story structure
- Experience using social media to find stories and promote content
- A demonstrated capability in capitalizing on high-value topics by engaging audiences in frequency and urgency
- A proven experience building, maintaining and engaging an active audience
- An understanding of the methods and tools used to deliver content across a variety of platforms
- An ability to work collaboratively with editors and fellow reporters
- A willingness to keep abreast of industry advances and proactively consider new methods of reaching audiences