Job Description

The Austin American-Statesman is seeking a tenacious, inquisitive, and versatile journalist to cover Travis County government, one of the most influential and fast-growing local governments in Texas. This reporter will cover the Travis County Commissioners Court, county agencies and major policy decisions that shape daily life across Central Texas.

This beat sits at the center of some of the region’s most urgent and complex issues — public health, housing affordability, taxation, elections, criminal justice, disaster response and climate resilience. The successful candidate will be skilled at cultivating sources, covering a complex beat and producing journalism that ranges from breaking news to enterprise, watchdog, and explanatory reporting.

This is a high-impact role that demands sharp news judgment, accountability reporting, and the ability to identify and pursue stories others miss. Watchdog and explanatory journalism are top priorities for the American-Statesman, and the ability to collaborate in a team environment is essential.

This internship is paid through the Stanford Rebele Internship Program. To be eligible, candidates must be current Stanford University students.

What You’ll Do

Cover Power and Policy:
Report on Travis County Commissioners Court and county agencies, holding officials accountable for decisions that affect about 1.4 million residents.

Explain Complex Issues:
Translate budgets, tax rates, policy proposals and public health data into clear, accessible journalism that shows readers why county government matters.

Spot Stories Others Miss:
Develop original coverage that advances the news beyond meeting recaps, with a focus on impact, equity and consequences.

Serve the Public Interest:
Center reporting on issues affecting residents most directly, including housing instability, mental health access, disaster recovery and affordability pressures.

Build Sources:
Cultivate a broad network of contacts, including elected officials, county staff, advocates and community members.

Key Responsibilities

• Write breaking news, step-backs, explainers, news features, analysis and enterprise stories on deadline

• Develop original watchdog and enterprise reporting by mastering county budgets, policy debates and public records

• Track major issues including:

• Public health and housing challenges

• Property taxes and county budgeting

• Justice system reform and diversion initiatives

• Elections administration

• Disaster response, flooding recovery and climate resilience

• County infrastructure, IT and operations modernization

• Identify unique angles that distinguish the Statesman’s coverage from competitors

• Collaborate with editors and colleagues across departments on digital publication strategies, elections coverage, breaking news and major projects

• Write engaging headlines and SEO elements with a digital, diverse audience in mind

• Maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and auto insurance

Preferred Qualifications

• At least one to two years of journalism experience, preferably covering government, public policy or accountability beats

• Current student at Stanford University

• Government reporting experience is strongly preferred but not required

• Demonstrated ability to interpret budgets, policy documents and public records

• Proven skill at cultivating sources and breaking news

• Strong writing skills, with a track record of producing clear, accurate and compelling copy on deadline

• Ability to juggle multiple assignments in a fast-paced newsroom

• Commitment to fairness, accuracy and journalistic standards

• Spanish language proficiency is a plus

• Familiarity with Austin or Texas government is a plus but not required

What We Offer

• The opportunity to cover one of the most consequential local government beats in Texas

• Support for ambitious enterprise, explanatory and watchdog journalism

• A collaborative newsroom that values accountability, impact and creativity

About Business Unit

The Austin American-Statesman has been the leading source of news and information for Central Texas since 1871, serving a dynamic and fast-growing region anchored by the capital city of Texas. Austin is known for its vibrant tech industry, rich cultural heritage, influential government institutions, and creative spirit.

The Statesman's award-winning journalists provide in-depth coverage of the issues that matter most to Austinites — from local government and business to education, the environment and Austin’s ever-evolving music and cultural scenes. With a strong focus on accountability journalism and investigative reporting, the Statesman plays a critical role in informing and engaging its community.

About Hearst Newspapers

The Austin American-Statesman is a division of Hearst Newspapers (HNP). With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories — growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms — to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. 

Be a part of something bigger — your headline awaits.

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