• Produce approximately 3–4 pieces of original, social‑first reporting per week on assigned topics related to state and local politics, policy, and civic life, across a variety of states. • Develop and pitch story ideas that align with COURIER’s pro‑democracy, impact‑driven narratives and with the editorial priorities of relevant state newsrooms. • Report and write clear, accurate, engaging stories, including explainers, accountability pieces, and human‑centered features for news-averse audiences. • Conduct research, interviews, and fact‑checking, including outreach to impacted community members, subject‑matter experts, elected officials, candidates, and advocates. • Create social content—including graphics, captions, and short‑form video—using COURIER’s creative platforms. • Produce presenter‑led videos featuring the consultant as on‑camera talent, tailored to social platforms. • Final review with editorial leads on assigned work to incorporate feedback in deliverables. • Contribute to basic documentation of work, including logging stories and content when published. • Use basic collaboration platforms such as Google Drive to receive assignments, share drafts, and deliver final work product. • The weekly mix of services and assignments will be set with COURIER and may be adjusted by mutual agreement during the engagement.