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Buffalo’s Fire Seeks General Assignment Reporter in Bismarck

We are expanding our team and looking for a dedicated journalist to cover vital issues across tribal communities in the Northern Plains


Buffalo’s Fire is calling on passionate journalists to join its mission. As a Native-led nonprofit news outlet dedicated to covering issues crucial to Native communities in the Northern Plains, we announced an opening for a full-time General Assignment Reporter based in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Duties include:

  • Taking assignments as well as identifying, pitching and developing original local stories relevant to our readers
  • Cultivating sources in tribal communities in the Dakotas
  • Staying on top of local and regional news
  • Identifying fresh angles for news stories
  • Writing a mix of news, profiles, and features
  • Strictly adhering to journalism standards and ethics
  • Producing accurate, fair, and clean copy
  • Collaborating with team
  • Responding in a timely manner to editing
  • Attending weekly staff meetings
  • Taking photos as needed

Experience and qualifications:

  • Bachelor’s degree
  • Prior news experience
  • Excellent news judgment
  • Excellent research, interviewing, and writing skills
  • Familiarity with Native American history, communities, and traditions or willingness to learn
  • Strong work ethic
  • Detail oriented
  • Comfortable interviewing people in person and engaging with people across cultural differences
  • Teamwork skills

Deadline to apply: May 30, 2026

Starting Salary: Negotiable depending on experience, median salary $52,100

How to apply: Send cover letter, resume, and three of your best stories to Tori Marlan, managing editor, tori@imfreedomalliance.org.

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As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government for everyone who cares about transparency in Native issues. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.

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