Newsletter Writer/Reporter (Guild Position)

Summary: We are seeking a passionate, dynamic voice to write and contribute to our growing newsletter portfolio. The mission of Spotlight PA is simple: to hold powerful private and public forces to account by producing journalism that gets results and serves the public good. Spotlight PA has the largest collaborative local journalism network of its kind in the United States, with stories shared across dozens of partner newsrooms, allowing our vital investigative and public-service reporting to reach Pennsylvanians in all corners. 

What you’ll do: The newsletter writer will report to Spotlight PA’s Lead Editor, News Products. Their primary responsibilities will be:

• Writing PA Post — Spotlight PA’s daily (M-F) newsletter — at least once a week.
• Writing or significantly contributing to Talk of the Town — our daily (M-F) newsletter for north-central Pennsylvania — at least twice a week.
• Writing or significantly contributing to Good Day, Berks — our daily (M-F) newsletter for Berks County — at least twice a week.
• Reporting original content at least once a month for Talk of the Town or Good Day, Berks (alternating). 
• Occasionally assisting Spotlight PA’s main newsletter team with assignments, like weekly news quiz. 
• Other duties and administrative tasks as assigned. 

The position begins Jan. 5, 2026. This person will work a 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday schedule.

Who we’re looking for: We’re looking for writers with a consistent, compelling voice, strong time-management skills, and a keen eye for detail, who can provide our readers with unique insights about the state. We view our newsletters as another reporting platform, so this position will involve original reporting and writing to advance our mission of holding the powerful to account and illuminating Pennsylvania for all who live here.

Ideal candidates will have a writing, reporting, or journalism background, as well as an interest in developing their voice and engaging with readers of local journalism. An obsession with accuracy and the craft of clean, concise writing is a must. Ideal candidates will be self-motivated and looking for an opportunity that gives them room to experiment and innovate.
 
This job is full-time, includes benefits, and is remote, though a home base in Pennsylvania is strongly preferred. This Guild position is budgeted for a salary from $65,000-$68,000, depending on experience. Applicants should submit a resume and a one-page cover letter that answers the following questions:

• What newsletters do you subscribe to? What do you think makes a newsletter a must-read?
• What does your daily news diet look like? Which outlets do you read every day, and why? 
• Please link to one news story about Berks County or Centre County written in August or September 2025 and summarize it in 2-3 sentences. 

We know not everyone reading this will fit exactly what we’ve described. We encourage everyone to apply who shares our passion for indispensable journalism and our drive to create a sustainable business model to support it. Spotlight PA is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive culture, and we especially encourage people from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities.