Reporter - Tax Analysts

Tax Analysts, publisher of Tax Notes, is the leading global publisher and essential source of news and analysis for over 150,000 tax professionals, with correspondents in more than 125 countries, and close to 200 local talented professionals. Our Culture and Values encompass transparency and passion around cultivating an environment that embraces collaboration and innovation. Tax Analysts offers a hybrid work environment (3 days in office and 2 days WFH), work/life balance, competitive compensation, and a generous benefits package.

SUMMARY: We’re looking for a naturally curious and organized individual to cover state and local taxes for our audience of tax professionals. A successful candidate will be able to work independently and tell a compelling story about how state and local tax policies are made and implemented, and how they affect individuals, communities, and companies. A reporter in this job should be able to generate unique story ideas and be flexible enough to handle general assignments as needed. This candidate’s responsibilities include filing breaking news updates, daily articles, and longer-term enterprise stories for an industry-leading daily news service.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned to meet editorial objectives.

• Cover several state legislatures and revenue agencies from our headquarters in Falls Church, Va. Beat includes reporting on state tax priorities, including enforcement and tax policy changes, and covering the various independent watchdogs that assess the states’ performance.
• Find insightful, newsworthy — and sometimes funny — details in routine announcements that might otherwise be overlooked.
• Write news stories that are clear, concise, and require minimal editing before publication.
• Become an expert on subjects of interest to readers and occasionally participate in Tax Notes Talk podcasts to discuss your work.
• Collect information through interviews and by obtaining reports, data, and documents that shed light on agency activity and performance. Develop a beat and build a network of knowledgeable sources.
• Be collegial and collaborative in working with editorial staff to help ensure we have the latest news in context with other major developments, including important court decisions, congressional action, or competing priorities from other government agencies.
• Look professional and be able to attend conferences in person.
• Adhere to daily deadlines.
• Be flexible. News doesn’t always happen at convenient times.

KNOWLEDGE & SKILLS:

• Ability to work well under daily deadline pressure and adjust to changing priorities.
• Superior communication skills to effectively interact with editors, top government officials and their staffs, academics, lobbyists, and tax practitioners.
• Capable of aggressively pursuing all angles of a story.
• Willing to travel.
• Demonstrate dependability through punctual attendance (in corporate office or at assigned events).

Requirements

• BA in English, writing, or journalism, or equivalent in experience.
• Minimum of one to two years of professional news reporting experience.
• Proficiency with Word, Excel, and AP Style.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT

The characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Frequently required to sit; talk and hear; use hands to type, file, handle or feel; reach with arms. Have visual acuity to use a computer and keyboard, prepare and analyze data and figures, read extensively. Occasionally required to stand, walk and lift up to 20 pounds. Requires ordinary ambulatory skills sufficient to visit other locations and occasionally requires standing for prolonged periods. Work is primarily performed in a temperature-controlled office environment, and occasionally performed in conference settings. This job requires moderate travel up to 25%.

Benefits

• Health/Dental/Vision
• 401K: Immediately vested
• Tuition assistance
• Qualified employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program (PFSL)
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Dog-friendly office
• Private gym onsite