California Reporter

This role will close on July 31, 2026.

We’re looking for driven reporters eager to take on compelling stories that are grounded in California but have national resonance — work that is compelling, revelatory and brings about change.

California is not only the nation’s largest state by population but, in many ways, runs counter to the current policies and laws being promulgated in Washington, D.C., from climate change to taxation. Exploring the consequences of the state’s policies and the leaders overseeing them will be a key part of our new team’s mission. Beyond that, California is also a hub of technology, arts, sports and higher education. If it were a country, California would be the fourth-largest economy in the world. 

We’re going into this process without a set constellation of beats we will cover, so we’re asking candidates to pitch their passions. This can include a beat (i.e., water, climate, homelessness, affordability), an industry (i.e., tech, agriculture, entertainment, sports) or what you’d cover as a generalist. We are less interested in stories that could be told from any number of states and more interested in stories that give insight into California’s unique vantage point. We want to see how you think about the stories you want to cover and how you will distinguish ProPublica’s coverage of California from that of other outlets.

This team of reporters, alongside a fellow, will report to our senior editor, California, and will mark ProPublica’s sixth regional hub, complementing our presence in the Midwest, South, Southwest and Northwest, as well as our joint initiative in Texas with The Texas Tribune. 

• Has at least a five-year track record of producing investigative stories, ideally in California, and a vision for how they’d cover this state and its diverse communities.
• Relishes pursuing accountability stories that are both important and powerfully told.
• Embraces, and has experience with, a wide range of reporting techniques, from underpinning stories with exclusive data analyses to using creative strategies to engage with readers and sources.
• Brings an accountability lens to issues of the day through both quick investigations reported over a couple of weeks and longer projects that take a few months (or more) to land.
• Really likes working with others. We are a highly collaborative newsroom — we collaborate within our team and across the newsroom, and with other news organizations regionally and nationally. We believe we do our best work together.
• Understands California. We’re interested in the vision you have for the kinds of stories you’ll tell in this state and the impact you can bring. 
• Can travel, as needed, for assignments, training and staff meetings.

This job is full time and includes benefits. The role must be based in California, but we are open to candidates who live anywhere in the state or who are willing to relocate there. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

The expected salary range for this position is $100,000 to $160,000.

This is a good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishment and location. ProPublica is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.

We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, but we will continue to consider candidates as long as the posting remains live on our site.

Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. 

No phone calls, please.