Field Reporter, Video
The Lever is a subscriber-supported investigative news outlet dedicated to following the money and holding the powerful accountable. Founded in 2020 by journalist David Sirota and a team of reporters, The Lever quickly attracted national attention thanks to its in-depth investigations and uncompromising analyses of local and national politics, business corruption, Big Tech, climate change, health care, and more.
About the role
The Lever is looking for an ambitious, dogged field reporter to break stories on camera, interview influential figures, and get our accountability journalism in front of millions of Americans who care about the role of power in politics. You'll pitch, report, and host original video reporting — direct-to-camera explainers; on-the-ground dispatches and interviews; short vertical pieces for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts; and more — built around the kind of follow-the-money work The Lever is known for, but not limited to what we’ve done in the past.
This is a reporting job first, but it’s also about increasing The Lever’s awareness among news consumers and citizens. You’ll put microphones in politicians’ faces, obsessively follow the stories that matter in money and politics, keep your finger on the pulse of what people are talking about online, and apply your keen news judgment to turning your reporting work into video that breaks through the noise. You’ll spend much of your time in the field — outside of congressional offices, at rallies, at hearings, wherever a story sends you. We’re seeking reporters who are obsessed with the news cycle, creative in trying new formats, and highly entrepreneurial in their approach.
Responsibilities
- Pitch, report, and host original video reporting including direct-to-camera explainers, on-the-ground dispatches, and interviews
- Create short vertical pieces for TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube Shorts
- Write your own scripts, identify interview subjects, draft shot lists, record voiceovers, and shoot direct-to-camera in the field
- Apply news judgment to produce video content that breaks through the noise and reaches a broad audience
- Work in the field at locations such as congressional offices, rallies, and hearings
- Edit video using tools like Adobe Premiere and in-platform editing tools on TikTok and Instagram
- Grow followings on social media platforms, particularly YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram
- Work nights and weekends when the news cycle demands it
Requirements
- At least three to five years experience as a video journalist, with original clips that demonstrate your on-camera reporting style
- Ability to pitch, research, and host short, news-driven, direct-to-camera videos
- Sharp feel for what content performs well on each platform, including hooks, framing, and timing for vertical and short-form video
- Understanding of how to package content differently for platforms like YouTube versus TikTok
- Working facility with tools like Adobe Premiere and in-platform editing tools on TikTok and Instagram
- Demonstrated ability to grow followings on social media, particularly YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram
- Willingness to work nights and weekends when the news demands it
- Immersion in online political and cultural discourse with a keen sense for what will drive debate and impact
- Strong understanding of The Lever’s focus areas: hypocrisy and contradictions of the powerful, influence of money on politics, the future of the Democratic Party, and corporate greed over concern for everyday citizens
Benefits
- Generous health care stipend
- Office expense reimbursements
- Paid time off
Pay
$70,000-$85,000
This is a full-time, salaried, and remote position based in Washington, DC.