Public Education Reporter

We seek a smart, skilled, and determined reporter to cover the Little Rock School District and public education in Arkansas. This beat is for a journalist who is ambitious, inquisitive, and relentless in pursuit of facts. Public education in the state commonly ranks in the bottom 10 nationwide, and Little Rock schools have a rich history and ongoing challenges. The district operates on an annual budget of more than $340 million and oversees an enrollment of more than 18,000 students.

Safety Sensitive Position: Pursuant to Act 593 of the Arkansas Medical Marijuana Amendment.

Our roots in Arkansas run deep, and we are committed to ensuring our reporting fully informs readers about state issues that matter most. We expect to lead Arkansas and America in comprehensiveness, relevance, urgency, and objectivity.

We want journalists with a record of:

• Watchdog reporting that holds powerful people accountable.
• Frequent use of public records to find stories, unearth facts, and fuel reporting.
• Producing quick‑turn stories as well as larger, long‑term projects.
• Data reporting that demonstrates the ability to sift through material and produce compelling content.
• Asking tough questions and finding answers amid obfuscation by officialdom.
• Skilled writing to communicate complex ideas cogently.
• Source‑building across a wide spectrum of people, from high‑rank officials to front‑line educators.
• Accuracy in reporting that ensures copy is air‑tight.
• Effective time management to meet tight deadlines.
• Productivity that keeps stories consistently cycling through from your beat.
• A competitive spirit that keeps you at the front of the pack.
• Seamless collaboration with digital teams for the best reader experience.

Qualifications:

• One to three years of journalism experience with a newspaper, online news organization, or in a college setting that provides real‑world reporting experience.
• A belief in objective reporting that ensures stories are free from bias.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Rudimentary knowledge of public records and media law.
• High standards for accuracy.
• Basic knowledge of AP style.
• Strong interviewing and research skills.
• Ability to manage tight deadlines and multiple assignments.
• 401 K & profit sharing
• Paid vacation and sick leave
• Paid holiday and floating holiday
• Paid personal day
• Paid parental leave
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Life, disability, and accident insurance
• Critical illness and hospital indemnity coverage
• Employee assistance program
• Behavior program

We are an equal‑opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

Applicants must pass a drug screening, undergo a motor‑vehicle record check, and complete a background check.

Submit a cover letter, resume, and three PDF samples of your best work to Executive Editor Lee Wolverton at  Please make the subject line “Public Education Reporter.”

• Entry level

• Full‑time

• Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing

• Newspaper Publishing