Investigative Reporters and Editors is hiring: Data Reporter (Politics) in Houst

Overview

The Houston Chronicle is hiring a Data Reporter (Politics) who thrives on finding and telling stories with data in a fast-paced, audience-centered newsroom. In this role, you will be joining the Hearst Texas Data Team, a collaborative group of journalist-programmers who partner with peers at the Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, Houston Chronicle and Hearst DevHub to produce impactful data-focused reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce data- and graphics-focused journalism that’s centered on statewide politics, campaign finance, voter registration and other topics in collaboration with other members of the Texas Hearst Data Team and the Houston Chronicle.
• Approach datasets with a healthy dose of skepticism and find trends and stories in the numbers.
• Write and document reproducible, bulletproof code for data analysis.
• Write audience-focused stories and build data visualizations.
• Support and further data literacy in the newsroom by leading data trainings.

We’re Looking For Someone Who

• Has at least 5 years of experience working with large, complex datasets in a newsroom setting.
• Understands how to interrogate political and government data, such as campaign finance, lobbying, and election records.
• Has strong news judgment and can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
• Is comfortable using Python, R or similar tools to clean, analyze and present data.
• Brings creativity and curiosity to finding stories hidden in spreadsheets and databases.
• Works well with colleagues across teams and thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Is eager to experiment with new storytelling forms and ways of engaging readers.
• (Bonus) Has skills in web development, data visualization or mapping/GIS.

Success is Measured By

• Producing exclusive, data-driven journalism that distinguishes the Chronicle’s coverage.
• Elevating statewide political and accountability coverage by surfacing original data storylines.
• Delivering clean, accurate and well-documented analysis that builds trust with readers.
• Collaborating effectively across teams to ensure the Chronicle makes the most of public data.
• Contributing to a culture of innovation, experimentation and data literacy in the newsroom.

Requirements

• This position is full-time.
• It will likely include some weekend and holiday work.
• The successful candidate must be based in Houston or willing to move to the area.