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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

Trust Mark

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.

We provide the independent reporting that non-Native, extractive outlets often overlook. We give our communities the context and the facts they need to make informed decisions.

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Jodi Rave Spotted Bear

Founder and Editor in Chief

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, we exist to illuminate tribal government decision-making for everyone who cares about transparency about Native issues. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise. Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact.

Respect The Fire

At Buffalo's Fire, we value constructive dialogue that builds an informed Indian Country. To keep this space healthy, moderators will remove:

  • Personal attacks, harassment, or hate speech
  • Spam, misinformation, or unsolicited promotion
  • Off-topic rants and excessive shouting (All Caps)

Let’s keep the fire burning with respect.