Illinois General Assignment Reporter (Newsperson) Job at The Associated Press in

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

Position : Enterprising Reporter (Temporary Staff Position, ends December 31, 2025)

Responsibilities : Reporting to the administrative correspondent for Great Lakes text, you will seek to consistently break news and produce distinct, deeply reported enterprise about a variety of issues in Illinois. You should be a self-starter who knows how to build a story from the local level and frame it for broader audiences in the U.S. and around the world, collaborating with colleagues to tell stories in all formats – text, photo, video, audio, digital / social, interactive, and graphics. You’ll be expected to quickly find sources, information, photos, and video through social media and other digital platforms.

We’re looking for someone who will :

• Have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate stories people will want to share on social media.
• Quickly develop sources who will alert us to key news developments and explain what’s happening behind closed doors.
• Look for trends, offbeat topics, and other subjects that will produce stories that meet the needs of digital audiences.
• Have a keen eye for seeing broader political trends, and for seeing through spin, doublespeak, and propaganda.
• Pursue innovative and inclusive news coverage, experimenting with new digital storytelling forms and approaching every story with ambition.
• Maintain AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.
• Be responsive to general breaking news in the region as coverage demands – including at night and on weekends – as AP is a 24 / 7 operation.

Required Qualifications :

Preferred Qualifications : Applicants should be gifted writers who can explain complex stories in clear and compelling ways, working swiftly and accurately on tight deadlines. You should be comfortable working in multiple media formats, from the field and from the desk. You should have strong interpersonal, organizational, and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats and deliver success on complex, challenging storylines. This role will include general assignments around Illinois and the Great Lakes; familiarity with the state’s top issues is desired.

Salary and Benefits : This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary for Class A staff of between $52,046 and $82,934 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications, and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

The Associated Press offers comprehensive benefits which include :

Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.

Application Deadline : February 19, 2025 at 11 : 59PM EST.

AP seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, status as a veteran, or other characteristic protected by law. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities, including women and BIPOC, to apply.

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Salary : $52,046 - $82,934