Culture Reporter — Wealth & Power - The San Francisco Standard

The San Francisco Standard (sfstandard.com) is growing its newsroom and is on the hunt for a passionate and seasoned Wealth and Power Reporter. As a full-time member of our team, you will be entrusted with dissecting the intricate tapestry of influence, power and money—both secret and conspicuous—that defines the San Francisco Bay Area.

We are seeking an individual who possesses a deep understanding of the spheres of influence in SF, from the political world of City Hall to the ballrooms of high society to the backrooms and backyards of the tech elite. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for compelling narratives, lifestyle trends and the personalities shaping the city. 

All of this should be combined with an appreciation for the cultural nuances that make the Bay Area a dynamic and rich place—in all senses of the word.

Responsibilities:

• In-depth daily reporting: Uncover the juiciest stories at the epicenter of wealth and power, ranging from corporate boardrooms to the political sphere.
• Feature writing: Craft stories that go beyond the surface, exploring the mysterious ways of the wealthy, their broad societal impact and the feuds, rivalries and ladder-climbers within their ranks.
• Event coverage: Be the Standard's discerning eyes and ears at big soirees and power meetings, and a fly on the wall at more intimate gatherings of the prominent and powerful.
• Source building: Develop and maintain an extensive network of contacts within the realms of business, politics and high society, ensuring your Rolodex reflects a comprehensive understanding of the city's influencers.
• Newsroom collaboration: Collaborate seamlessly with editors, photographers, multimedia pros and other talented journalists to transform your investigative pieces into immersive storytelling experiences across various platforms.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 4 years of distinguished reporting experience, particularly within the nuanced landscapes of wealth, power and influence.
• Possess an acute awareness and understanding of the subtleties and dynamics of wealth and power within the Bay Area.
• Exhibit exceptional storytelling abilities, adept at translating intricate financial and power dynamics into engaging narratives.
• Demonstrate a proven ability to cultivate and sustain a network of sources within the spheres of business, politics and high society. Bonus if you know them IRL, not just on LinkedIn.
• Proficiency in digital content management systems, social media and an understanding of multimedia storytelling.
• Fast-paced news startup? No problem. You thrive on the adrenaline of breaking tech stories.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.

This is an in-person role based in San Francisco, with regular commitments during evenings or weekends. We offer a very competitive compensation package and benefits.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter and at least five work samples. Provide an explanation of how you found the stories, the challenges you overcame, and any real-world impact the journalism had.

The pay range for this role is $75,000 to $140,000. Actual compensation packages are based on several factors that are unique to each candidate. We encourage you to apply even if you don't fit the preferred qualifications of the job.