About Beacon Media:

Founded in April 2019, The Beacon first started publishing in Kansas City in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In June 2021, we launched a second newsroom in Wichita to become a regional nonprofit news network. The goal of The Beacon is to create a sustainable, non-profit news organization that engages the public, collaborates with other media and produces the highest level of accountability and solutions-driven journalism in Kansas and Missouri.   https://kcbeacon.org/about/

The Beacon Values: 

1. Shining a light: We believe that transparency about what is happening in our community and government ultimately leads to a better society for all. We also believe that if we demand transparency from others, we must model it ourselves as journalists — transparency in funding, journalistic practices, and our policies are integral to earning trust. 
2. Power in independence: Our unique impact as journalists lies in our ability to tell the complete story, without consideration of profit, ideology, or advocacy. We can tell the truest story, and make the greatest possible difference if we take no predetermined position on the topics we cover. We work hard to build a business model that safeguards our independence. 
3. Local first: We put down roots in the communities we cover and work with our readers as well as for them. We cover local people, institutions, and systems like they’re as important as the president (because they are). We aren’t interested in national stories unless there is a clear local or regional angle. 
4. Anti-racism: We acknowledge and condemn the ongoing legacy of racism in the U.S. and the institution we are a part of — the press. We commit to standing against racism as we build our organization and conduct our work. 
5. Impact: Writing stories is not enough. We are on a mission to get the full truth to the maximum number of people at the moments of greatest consequence. We do everything we can to bring stories, people, and stakes alive for readers so they can engage in informed action and debate

Reporting to the Editor, reporters execute stories that break new ground in service to our community. Reporters find and analyze data in pursuit of great stories, closely follow evolving policies, and dig deep to hold government and institutions accountable. Reporters seek out everyday people and advocacy groups and explore their challenges and experiences with systems. Reporters are writers who can craft narratives that weave human experience with policy and data. As a Reporter, you will join a team of committed professionals with the goal of creating a sustainable, non-profit news organization that engages the public, collaborates with other media, and produces the highest level of accountability and solutions-driven journalism in Kansas and Missouri.

Key Responsibilities

• Investigate, report and write longform, shorter-turn stories and helpful guides about local and regional issues with the audience in mind
• As assigned, develop and serve a dedicated beat and investigate new leads and tips
• Find and analyze data to uncover unique insights and put them into context
• Contact, interview and research sources
• Maintain notes and audio recordings
• Build broad and diverse relationships so that sources, story ideas, research and writing reflect the many communities living in Kansas City and Wichita
• Take on visual and multimedia aspects of stories such as creating graphics and other visuals, planning, scheduling and selecting photographs, and writing social media copy
• Promote your reporting and increase The Beacon’s visibility in the community through activities such as public events, speaking engagements, radio and podcast appearances, and live video.
• Use sources, story ideas, research and writing that reflects Kansas City and/or Wichita’s diversity and the difference in lived experiences
• Abide by journalism’s ethics and codes
• Contribute data needed for key performance indicators (KPIs)
• Ensure actions fully embody core values of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and incorporate DEIB best practices
• Participate in a culture of collaboration, quality, innovation, data-driven decision-making and intelligent use of resources
• Contribute to other news products including, for example, social media, audio stories, printed projects and text message campaigns
• Other related duties, as assigned

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• Professional reporting training and/or experience preferred
• Demonstrable writing skill with ability to report complex issues with simplified, accessible language
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills - written and verbal
• Computer proficiency (Google Suite, digital editing, web search, databases, public records)
• Passion for local accountability journalism and independent media
• Highly organized with excellent time and project management skills
• Resourceful, proactive, self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and accountability
• Trustworthy, organized, results-driven, self-starter, inclusive, transparent and collaborative
• Comfortable within a highly flexible, entrepreneurial culture; comfort working under deadlines and collaboratively in a hybrid work environment with colleagues in geographically dispersed locations

Other valuable experience and skills

• Bilingual skills and cross-cultural competence, or experience in a marginalized community
• Experience with Freedom of Information Act requests
• Additional skills we're looking for: Data reporting and data visualization, audio journalism, broadcast and photography

You may see a list of job requirements and feel that you do not have the exact combination of skills listed here, but are still interested in this role, we suggest you apply anyway.  Please tell us about your other assets not mentioned here that may be valuable to this role.

The Beacon is committed to building an equitable and inclusive organization that represents the people and communities we serve. We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ people, people with disabilities, or other marginalized groups. We are committed to reaching out to talent across a broad range of backgrounds and experiences.

• Job Type: Full-time
• Location:  Kansas City, MO or Wichita, KS
• Travel: 10%
• Compensation: Entry level starting at $50,000 + with competitive benefits package

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.