The Minnesota Star Tribune is an innovative modern media organization building on an extraordinary 157-year legacy. With seven Pulitzer Prizes and numerous other accolades, we stand as a beacon of journalistic excellence in Minnesota. We are the heart and voice of the North.

Our mission is to build a better Minnesota by connecting us with the people, ideas, and stories that strengthen our communities. We’re seeking dynamic leaders who are passionate about journalism and democracy to help shape this future. If you are excited about reinventing one of our state’s most trusted institutions and leading us into a new era of growth and excellence, we want to hear from you.

Job Summary: Federal Law Enforcement Agencies Reporter

We are seeking a resourceful reporter and strong writer to cover federal law enforcement agencies in Minnesota, including the U.S. Attorney’s office, DEA, FBI, ATF and the federal courts. You should have a strong track record of producing contextual breaking news, in-depth enterprise and accountability journalism. You must be able to develop sources within the legal community and federal law enforcement agencies and among the people who pass through the federal court system. 

You will write about significant criminal and civil cases and the priorities and activities of the U.S. Department of Justice. You will be expected to navigate the PACER federal courts records system to stay on top of key developments while also breaking news about court filings that might go otherwise uncovered. You should bring a strong story-telling instinct to your reporting and writing and can turn legal documents and formal court proceedings into topical, deeply engaging stories that readers are not able to ignore.

You also will work at times with other members of the Public Safety team. Excellent reporting, writing, and organizational skills are essential, as is experience covering public safety. 

We require solid news judgment, skilled writing and an aggressive approach to getting news to our readers quickly, on all channels and platforms. You should have a demonstrated track record of balancing daily news demands while producing a steady stream of short- and long-term enterprise stories.

You will:

Be relentlessly audience centric. Seek out and use data about where our audience is – and where we can reach new audiences – and work to break news and produce enterprise that meets audience needs and interests. Be enterprising and entrepreneurial. Our readers most value news and insightful reporting not seen elsewhere. Staying informed about evolving issues and emerging developments – while resisting incremental, turn-of-the screw coverage – will result in stories of interest to statewide and regional audiences. Be a watchdog willing to hold government agencies and private interests accountable for how they wield power and influence. Collaborate with reporters on the Public Safety Team in News & Politics and reporters and editors in other newsroom departments to determine daily, weekly and ongoing coverage strategies on multiple platforms. Collaborate with your editors and the Audience team to build avenues for engagement and amplification of your work and the Star Tribune. Leverage other mediums, such as audio and video and the camera on your cell phone, to reach wide audiences. Meet deadlines on stories from the quick- turn to the long-range. Work regularly from the Star Tribune’s downtown Minneapolis headquarters.

Qualifications: 

A bachelor’s degree in journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work-related experience – at least two years at a daily news outlet. A portfolio of published work demonstrating solid news judgment, deep reporting, engaging writing and comfort with a broad range of topics. A solid grasp of data and analysis tools, and state and federal data practices statutes. A deep understanding of Minnesota and how it is changing. An ability to connect with sources and subjects from diverse backgrounds and include overlooked or ignored viewpoints. High standards and a commitment to fairness and accuracy. The ability to multitask and juggle priorities on deadline. A commitment to using 21st century digital tools, tracking and analyzing online audience trends and building strategies to engage readers. Ability to meet deadlines, prioritize assignments, track story budgets and multitask in a high-pressure environment. A commitment to the Star Tribune’s standards, mission and values, including journalism that reflects the diversity of Minnesota and the Star Tribune’s audience.

To apply:
Please upload a resume and a memo describing how you would approach covering federal courts and agencies.

Questions? Contact Erin Golden, News & Politics Editor, at erin.golden@startribune.com.

More about the Star Tribune:
At the Star Tribune, we believe that our employees are our most valuable assets. We go above and beyond to ensure their happiness, growth and overall well-being. Here is a glimpse into the exceptional benefits we offer:

Modern downtown office with a free fitness center and rooftop patio. Commuting subsidy, medical, dental, and vision insurance. Wellness program with financial incentives. Paid time off that includes flexible holidays to honor the preferences of employees, plus one volunteer day and two wellness days. 401(k) with company match, parental and caregiving leaves, flexible work arrangements, employee assistance program, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, flexible spending, and health savings accounts.

Selected in 2023 to Diversity MBA's inaugural list of Top 25 Outstanding Leadership and Diversity Impact Awards.

Salary/Wage Range

Annual pay for this position ranges from $57,934.76 to $81,026.92 a year, based on the A1 through A4-scale level in the contract of the Minnesota Newspaper and Communications Guild.

Compensation for the role will depend on several factors, including a candidate’s qualifications, skills, competencies and experience and may fall outside of the range shown. The Minnesota Star Tribune offers a competitive total rewards package, which includes a 401(K) match, healthcare coverage – medical, dental, and vision, life, disability, paid time off, and a broad range of other benefits. Learn more at benefits.startribunecompany.com.