At Inkstick, we believe endless war is a fundamental feature of American life. Whether or not you have any experience covering the defense industry, we are looking for reporters who share that vision and aspire to dig into the United States’ deep economic dependence on military and weapons spending.
Inkstick Media is a nonprofit outlet that covers national security and foreign policy while, as a rule, accepting no funds from defense contractors or government entities that could color our views — a rarity on the defense beat. We’re also woman-led and majority-female.
We pioneered a new beat when we hired investigative journalist Taylor Barnes to cover the military industry at the local level in 2022. And now, it’s time to expand that beat.
We’re looking for new freelance reporters in and around defense industry towns across the country. Some locations of particular interest to us include Texas, Missouri, Florida, Connecticut, Mississippi, and Alabama.
This is a contract, part-time fellowship that pays $1,000 a month.
Applicants should have:
- Experience in investigative journalism.
- An understanding of the US national security landscape.
- Killer social media skills.
- A good sense of humor.
- A deep understanding of Inkstick’s audience.
Please submit your application, with the subject line “Inkstick’s Reporter Corps” to Laicie Heeley (lheeley@inkstickmedia.com) and Taylor Barnes (tbarnes@inkstickmedia.com). The application package should include the following:
- Resume;
- Writing and/or audio sample;
- Contract proposal (scope of work for one year, $1000/month); and
- Two references (names, contact information, and relationship to you) that can speak to how awesome you are.
This is a remote, grant-funded independent contractor role for the period of one year with a possibility for renewal.
Wondering what kind of reporting you’ll be doing? To get an idea, peruse our reporter’s archive here and our newsletter, Military-Industrial America, here.
Inkstick Media is committed to fostering diversity. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and we highly encourage applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, bilingual and bicultural individuals, and members of the LGBTQ+ community. Inkstick Media is committed to full inclusion of all qualified individuals. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to Laicie Heeley at lheeley@inkstickmedia.com.
Proposals due by COB Sept. 9, 2024.
Not the right fit for you? We’re also on the lookout for print and audio pitches on the defense industry. See our submissions page here for details on how to get it touch.
