San Francisco Public Press Reporter

Founded in 2009, the San Francisco Public Press is a nonprofit, noncommercial news organization publishing and broadcasting independent public-interest journalism about under-covered topics, focusing on under-served audiences. We offer local investigative and solutions reporting at sfpublicpress.org and via “Civic,” a public affairs podcast also airing on KSFP 102.5 FM, our low-power community radio station. Coverage includes homelessness, housing affordability, public health, sea level rise, environmental equity, transportation safety, digital privacy, immigration and elections.

Open Position

Location: San Francisco, California

Beat: How federal actions and City Hall responses reshape local democracy, public participation and community resilience.

Position:

San Francisco is entering a period of profound political change just as federal actions are destabilizing local governance nationwide. Rapid shifts in federal policy — including funding cuts, executive orders and rollbacks affecting civil rights, scientific research and social safety nets — are forcing cities to respond under pressure and with limited information. At the same time, Mayor Daniel Lurie and his allies are pursuing structural reforms to San Francisco government, including changes to the commission system and proposals to rewrite the city charter in ways that could expand mayoral power. Supporters argue these moves will improve efficiency and accountability. Critics warn they could weaken checks and balances and reduce public participation. The San Francisco Public Press seeks a Report for America corps member to produce sustained, accountability reporting on how federal pressures and local reforms intersect: who shapes the decisions, whose voices are included or excluded, and how the consequences differ across neighborhoods and communities. The goal is clear, independent reporting residents can use to understand and engage with local government when it matters most.

Salary and Benefits: The salary range for a reporter with a few years of experience is $64,480 to$66,000. The salary range for a reporter with six or more years of experience is $66,000 to $75,000.

The San Francisco Public Press offers health, dental, vision and other benefits to employees working at least 30 hours per week. This position comes with four weeks of paid time off (accrued plus set holidays).

Moving Stipend: We are not able to offer a moving stipend for this position.

Skills: Writing, Radio / Podcast, TV / Video

This position is sponsored in part by Report for America, a national service program that places early career and experienced journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered issues and communities. Report for America is an initiative of Report Local, a nonprofit journalism organization dedicated to strengthening local journalism across the U.S. and around the world.