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Midwest Correspondent, National

thenewyorktimes Chicago, IL; United States


No Relocation

Posted: July 24, 2026

Job Description

The New York Times National desk is seeking an ambitious and creative correspondent to cover the Midwest, working closely with the Chicago Bureau Chief.

You are well-sourced in the state and should be experienced covering everything that makes the region tick – including its people, politics, identity, eccentricities and weather. You have a strong understanding of the region and can unearth revealing and surprising stories for readers in the area and beyond.

You write quickly, clearly and accurately on deadline. Writing in a variety of formats and embracing new forms of storytelling is essential.

This is a remote position based in the Midwest.

Responsibilities:

  • You will produce a portfolio of work that ranges from breaking news stories to enterprise, accountability pieces and scoops, and embraces a variety of story formats and collaborations — that as a body of work help readers understand your region.
  • You will actively seek out newsworthy events, identify relevant sources, and conduct thorough research to gather information.
  • You will write clear, concise, and engaging news stories that adhere to journalistic style guidelines.
  • You will cultivate a deep source network of authorities, politicians, sheriffs, union reps, cultural figures, law enforcement, agency representatives and beyond – positioning yourself to tap a source in a given news moment, from scoops to interviews and real-time updates. You'll also discern which stories to write to further develop and engage your sources.
  • You will monitor news and deliver a steady stream of story ideas that help explain the region.
  • You will write with authority, clarity, and independence.
  • You will brainstorm and develop ideas with colleagues in your region or on adjacent beats, initiate collaborations when opportunities arise, and keep in regular contact with your fellow reporters and editors.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to a National Editor.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years' experience at a journalism or media company or other relevant organization
  • Experience working in high-pressure, deadline-driven newsrooms
  • Strong reporting and writing skills that demonstrate mastery of journalistic style and standards, including ethical and superb news judgment
  • A portfolio that includes politics, news, enterprise and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A strong understanding of Times style and standards
  • A willingness to be flexible as the newsroom's needs evolve

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-020382

Additional Content

The New York Times National desk is seeking an ambitious and creative correspondent to cover the Midwest, working closely with the Chicago Bureau Chief.

You are well-sourced in the state and should be experienced covering everything that makes the region tick – including its people, politics, identity, eccentricities and weather. You have a strong understanding of the region and can unearth revealing and surprising stories for readers in the area and beyond.

You write quickly, clearly and accurately on deadline. Writing in a variety of formats and embracing new forms of storytelling is essential.

This is a remote position based in the Midwest.

Responsibilities:

  • You will produce a portfolio of work that ranges from breaking news stories to enterprise, accountability pieces and scoops, and embraces a variety of story formats and collaborations — that as a body of work help readers understand your region.
  • You will actively seek out newsworthy events, identify relevant sources, and conduct thorough research to gather information.
  • You will write clear, concise, and engaging news stories that adhere to journalistic style guidelines.
  • You will cultivate a deep source network of authorities, politicians, sheriffs, union reps, cultural figures, law enforcement, agency representatives and beyond – positioning yourself to tap a source in a given news moment, from scoops to interviews and real-time updates. You'll also discern which stories to write to further develop and engage your sources.
  • You will monitor news and deliver a steady stream of story ideas that help explain the region.
  • You will write with authority, clarity, and independence.
  • You will brainstorm and develop ideas with colleagues in your region or on adjacent beats, initiate collaborations when opportunities arise, and keep in regular contact with your fellow reporters and editors.
  • Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
  • You will report to a National Editor.

Basic Qualifications:

  • 5+ years' experience at a journalism or media company or other relevant organization
  • Experience working in high-pressure, deadline-driven newsrooms
  • Strong reporting and writing skills that demonstrate mastery of journalistic style and standards, including ethical and superb news judgment
  • A portfolio that includes politics, news, enterprise and analysis

Preferred Qualifications:

  • A strong understanding of Times style and standards
  • A willingness to be flexible as the newsroom's needs evolve

This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

REQ-020382