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Apply for Montana Free Press / ICT Indigenous Montana Reporting Fellow

Montana Free Press is an independent, 501(c)(3) nonprofit source for Montana news, information, and analysis. Our mission is to produce in-depth public-service journalism that creates positive change and helps move society toward justice and equity. MTFP seeks to uncover the truth and bring to light essential news stories by studying arcane bureaucratic processes, seeking out dark corners of major institutions, digging deep into data and documents, and holding power accountable to the people. We work independently and in collaboration with other news outlets to produce meaningful news stories that have an impact on the lives and livelihoods of local communities.

JOB SUMMARY: Montana Free Press, Montana’s premier independent nonprofit news organization, in partnership with ICT (formerly Indian Country Today), has an opening for an Indigenous reporting fellowship in Montana. The paid fellowship is open to American Indian, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian, First Nations, Inuit and Métis undergraduate or graduate college students and early-career journalists who want to develop reporting skills and contribute impactful community news coverage. 

The fellowship is an opportunity to deepen and broaden reporting and writing skills while learning from and collaborating with experienced journalists and news industry professionals across two newsrooms.

WHO YOU ARE: A curious and resourceful journalist or aspiring journalist interested in elevating issues that impact Indigenous communities in Montana. 

The fellow, based anywhere in Montana, will work with a collaborative team of MTFP and ICT reporters and editors to report on Indigenous issues and communities in the state and the issues that impact them most, including but not limited to legislative news. 

WHO WE ARE: Montana Free Press is a fast-growing, entrepreneurial, nonpartisan, multimedia news organization whose stories are published online and in print and broadcast news outlets statewide. MTFP is supported by more than 4,700 individual members across Montana, and its reporting reaches more than 30,000 newsletter subscribers six days a week.  ICT is a nonprofit, multimedia news enterprise owned by IndiJ Public Media. Its digital platform covers the Indigenous world, including American Indians and Alaska Natives. ICT is also a public media broadcast carried via public television stations including FNX: First Nations Experience and Arizona PBS World channel. ICT’s Mountain Bureau is located in the University of Montana’s School of Journalism.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Develop sources within Indigenous communities in Montana and the American Indian Caucus of the Montana Legislature.
• Cover breaking news and enterprise stories related to Indigenous affairs in multiple formats (digital, newsletters, broadcast, podcast, audio, social media).
• Conduct research and file records requests.
• Work collaboratively with editors and fellow reporters/national correspondents.
• Communicate openly and promptly to share information and ideas with colleagues throughout both organizations.
• Use journalistic and ethical judgment.
• Pay attention to detail and factual accuracy.
• Use background in American Indian and Alaska Native issues, histories, and cultures, and federal Indian policy to provide context in news stories. 
• Capture photos and video for digital, broadcast, and social media platforms. 
• Travel to report stories, as needed. 

SALARY AND BENEFITS: This is a full-time, temporary fellowship from the opening of the legislative session in January until May, with some options for flexibility. The position pays $20-23/hour depending on experience. The fellow will be eligible for health insurance (medical, vision, dental) and will be provided a laptop and cell phone. 

HOW TO APPLY:

Please use MTFP’s online hiring portal link below. The position is open until filled. Desired start date is January 4, 2027.

MTFP values a strong, dynamic newsroom and is committed to offering competitive salaries and benefits. We welcome talented individuals from all backgrounds who bring curiosity, dedication, and a drive to succeed to their professional endeavors. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. We’re looking for people who are eager to grow, contribute, and make an impact—there’s no such thing as a “perfect” candidate. If this opportunity excites you and aligns with your skills and ambitions, we’d love to hear from you.

Statement of Ethics: For more information about Montana Free Press and our mission, visit our website at montanafreepress.org. To read our ethics policy, visit: https://montanafreepress.org/best-practices/#code-of-ethics