City Bureau is a civic media lab that designs people-powered journalism practices and supports their local adoption and adaptation across the country.

We envision a world where all communities have the information, tools, and resources they need to navigate their lives, shape their futures, and cultivate a more just and participatory democracy.

Open Positions

How to leave your resume

If you’re excited about our work and interested in joining our team we want to hear from you! We’ll keep your resume in mind as we shape future roles, and we’ll reach out to you anytime a relevant job posting goes live.

Leave your resume

** We offer a rolling applications for Documenters.

About City Bureau

City Bureau is an innovation lab reimagining local journalism, civic media, and participatory democracy. We equip people with civic skills, develop resources that directly meet people’s information needs, and create pathways for deliberative dialogue that strengthens communities.

We envision a world where all communities have the information, tools, and resources they need to actively shape their futures and cultivate a more responsive and just democracy.

To learn more about our programs and impact, check out our annual reports.

Working at City Bureau

At City Bureau, we're building something transformative: a more equitable information ecosystem where communities have the tools and knowledge to shape their own futures. We believe the best work happens when people feel supported, valued, and equipped to grow.

We're proud to support full-time staff members through comprehensive benefits, competitive nonprofit salaries, flexible work arrangements, and a culture that values both excellence in our impact and personal well-being.

    • City Bureau uses a universal compensation system to prioritize clarity, transparency, and fairness 

    • Employer-sponsored 401k with 100% matching up to 4% of salary

    • $1,000 annual technology and work tools allowance

    • $1,000 annual professional development allowance

    • Comprehensive health care, dental, vision, and life insurance

    • City Bureau offers several group health insurance plans and pays 100% of the monthly premium of our core plan for employees and 99% for dental and vision

    • 15 days paid vacation (with rollover options)

    • 12 paid sick days

    • 6 paid personal days

    • Bereavement leave

    • Up to 12 weeks paid parental leave after 1 year of employment

    • 14 days of organization-wide holidays 

    • 4.5-day work week for most of the year

    • Summer Fridays: 4-day work weeks from June through August

    • Year-end closure for collective rest

    • Sabbatical leave opportunity available after 5 years of service

    • Central Chicago office with periodic in-person requirements for meetings, retreats, and community events

    • Remote work supported when it serves both employee needs and organizational goals

    • Regular staff retreats and team-building celebrations

    • Collaborative learning opportunities

    • Established advancement processes

    • Clear role expectations and regular check-ins with managers, with a culture of ongoing mutual feedback and continuous learning