About the Role
Get Vetted is seeking a dedicated and tenacious Investigative Journalist to spearhead our coverage of historic legislative shifts in New Mexico. As the state pioneers a first-in-the-nation universal childcare program, we are looking for a reporter who can dive deep into the intersection of public policy, fiscal management, and community impact. This role is ideal for a journalist who excels at translating complex budgetary data into compelling narratives that hold public institutions accountable while highlighting the human element of systemic change.
As our lead reporter on this beat, you will follow in the footsteps of investigative excellence, examining how a multi-million dollar surplus can rapidly transform into a significant deficit. You will be responsible for uncovering why demand has outpaced capacity and what this means for the future of state-subsidized assistance. This remote position offers the unique opportunity to influence the national conversation on early childhood education and state-level social experiments from anywhere in the country.
Key Responsibilities- Conduct deep-dive investigative reporting on the New Mexico universal childcare initiative, focusing on fiscal oversight and legislative implementation.
- Analyze state budget reports and financial disclosures to identify discrepancies, overspending patterns, and unforeseen costs reaching upwards of $50 million.
- Interview state legislators, policy experts, childcare providers, and families to provide a multi-dimensional view of the program’s viability.
- Monitor and report on the rapid scaling of state-subsidized models, identifying bottlenecks in capacity and infrastructure.
- Produce high-quality, long-form features and breaking news updates that provide clarity on complex economic and social issues.
- Collaborate with the editorial team to develop multi-media content, including data visualizations that illustrate budgetary trends.
- Maintain a pulse on national childcare policy trends to provide necessary context for New Mexico’s pioneering efforts.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in investigative journalism, political reporting, or financial news.
- Proven track record of breaking high-impact stories related to government spending or public policy.
- Exceptional ability to parse complex fiscal documents, spreadsheets, and legislative transcripts.
- Strong network of sources within public administration or the ability to build rapport with stakeholders quickly.
- Excellent narrative writing skills with the ability to make budgetary news engaging for a general audience.
- Degree in Journalism, Communications, Political Science, or a related field.
- Self-motivated professional capable of managing long-term investigative projects in a fully remote environment.
- Competitive salary package with performance-based bonuses for high-impact reporting.
- Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
- Flexible remote work environment with a focus on work-life balance.
- Generous Professional Development stipend for investigative workshops and conferences.
- Paid time off, including annual leave, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- 401(k) matching program to support your long-term financial goals.
- The opportunity to be at the forefront of a national story with significant social implications.