The Beacon is a nonprofit news organization dedicated to public-service journalism in Kansas and Missouri. We focus on in-depth reporting on state and local government, education, health, housing, labor, and economic development. Our mission is to cultivate engaged and informed communities through accessible reporting and active civic engagement, anchored by a sustainable nonprofit revenue model.
We are building a more connected, collaborative, and transparent civic information ecosystem. Our newsroom prioritizes accountability reporting, community input, and shared coverage that empowers people to navigate and shape the systems that impact their daily lives. You'll primarily work remotely for this Kansas City-based role, but expect to join all-staff meetings in person occasionally. Relocation to Kansas City is required if you don't already live there.
/// Responsibilities
Identify, research, pitch, report, and write stories that meet or exceed the best in the market. The Beacon strives to connect public policy to personal lives with clarity and depth.
Produce an average of one in-depth enterprise story per week (~1,500 words), along with one additional contribution, such as a shorter article, social media thread, community explainer, radio appearance, or event participation.
Develop content that meets long-term community needs, including evergreen explainers, service journalism, and civic guides—especially those informed by changemakers and community listening.
Build and maintain relationships with key community members, public officials, and subject-matter experts to inform nuanced, people-centered journalism.
Track economic and civic trends across labor, housing, workforce policy, and public investment; surface local angles that make broader policies relevant to Kansas Citians.
Use relevant datasets to support reporting and collaborate on graphics or visual storytelling that enhances public understanding.
Work closely with colleagues and participants in the Kansas City Documenters program to elevate important civic stories that might otherwise go unreported.
Represent The Beacon at occasional community engagement events and partner media appearances.
Ensure sourcing, story framing, and issue selection reflect the intellectual, political, and demographic diversity of Missouri and Kansas.
/// Preferred qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications or related field. Three years of professional experience is preferred, but not required.
A passion for the topics of workforce, housing and economic development/mobility.
Strong reporting and writing skills, proven news judgment and a strong commitment to journalistic ethics.
A record of writing nuanced, thoughtful stories with accuracy, clarity and impact.
A desire to diversify the sources in your reporting to cover a wide range of demographics and philosophical outlooks.
Familiarity with the Midwest generally, and the Kansas City area specifically.
A demonstrated ability to identify and pursue stories on your own combined with a willingness to take direction on the framing of stories and the editing of your copy.
A demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
Enthusiasm for independent, nonprofit news media and collaboration with other outlets.
A passion for community journalism.
Familiarity with data sets and records.
An ability to create graphics to illuminate your stories.
Fluency in Spanish or another language besides English.
/// Compensation and Benefits
Salary range: $50,000–$70,000, commensurate with experience.
Health Coverage: 100% of employee health, vision, and dental premiums covered; a portion of dependent premiums covered.
Paid Time Off (PTO): Includes ten holidays, three personal days and progressive PTO accrual starting at three weeks per year, increasing with tenure.
Parental Leave: Paid parental leave policy in effect.
Cell Phone Reimbursement: Up to $50 per month.
Life Insurance: $50,000 employer-paid policy; supplemental insurance available.
Disability Insurance: 100% employer-paid long and short-term disability.