Who's building D.C., and what does it mean for the people who live here? Who is pulling the strings behind the city's restaurants, apartment buildings, and the zoning fights reshaping its neighborhoods? City Cast D.C. is looking for a sharp, curious reporter to cover business, development and transportation in the D.C. region and help residents understand the people and forces shaping the place they call home.
This reporter will follow development and transportation projects, dig into the shifting real estate market, and report on D.C.'s major players - developers, investors, and employers - while also showing how residents live and spend their money. We're looking for someone who owns their beat, chases scoops, and knows how to turn a dense zoning fight or planning document into a story a general audience would find compelling The ideal candidate is a sharp writer with strong news instincts who thrives on original reporting and fast deadlines, and who is energized by translating that work into clear, compelling conversations with our audience across platforms. Between a newsletter and a podcast, it's an opportunity to become the leading voice in discussing the shape and economy of the city: All you have to do is deliver the goods via reporting and analysis.
The role includes authoring a regular email newsletter and articles. The reporter will regularly discuss their work on the City Cast DC podcast and create content on social media. Comfort working across platforms and a willingness to experiment are essential.
Application Due: May 4, 2026
What You'll Do
- Pitch original, timely story ideas that reflect what DC residents are talking about—and what they will be talking about next
- Produce original enterprise and accountability journalism that holds power to account and helps residents understand what's really happening in DC
- Develop and own a DC business/development/transit beat — breaking news, cultivating sources, and becoming the go-to voice for that slice of DC life
- Carry weight as a public-facing personality, representing City Cast DC with confidence, credibility, and warmth
- Write a distinctive, voice-driven newsletter that delivers clarity, context, and urgency to readers
- Contribute regularly on the City Cast DC podcast, preparing as needed, speaking clearly and engagingly about your reporting while bringing your local knowledge and personality to the conversation
- Create regular social media posts and videos that extend the reach of your reporting and connect with the City Cast DC audience
- Contribute out of the box ideas about how to cover DC with vigor, creativity, and singular focus
- Occasionally record ads for sponsors across all platforms
- Help grow support for the City Cast DC Neighbors membership program, including pitching during campaigns
Requirements
What You Bring
- A deep passion and curiosity for DC and an appreciation for and understanding of its complexity
- Reporting experience in DC. Preferably 3+ years
- Strong connections and an existing network of sources, or the demonstrated ability to build one quickly
- Experience working in a deadline-driven editorial environment
- Excellent writing skills with a clear, engaging voice
- The ability to break down complex topics into clear, relatable language
- Confident on-mic presence with the ability to prep and contribute meaningfully to podcast conversations
- Enthusiasm for and experience with using social media to build audience
Benefits
The Data Reporter will report to the Managing Editor of City Cast DC. This position is full-time, with excellent benefits. The annual salary range is $80,000-$110,000 depending on experience. You must be local, though work will be primarily remote.
City Cast is an equal opportunity employer committed to excellence through diversity, which involves attracting talented people from diverse backgrounds and traditions. Read about our mission and core values here. We encourage everyone to apply.
