Investigative Reporter Job at Investigative Reporters and Editors Inc in Chicago

Job title:

Investigative Reporter

Location:

Hybrid position based in Chicago, with a minimum of two days per week in our downtown office

Reports to:

Investigations Editor

Employment type:

Full time

Salary and benefits:

$60,000 - $70,000, commensurate with experience. Benefits include two weeks of paid vacation, generous holiday schedule, health-care, dental and vision coverage and a flexible schedule.

Relocation Stipend:

No

Join our small but mighty team, known for punching above its weight with data-driven investigative journalism about Chicago that informs crucial conversations about race and equity.

At the Investigative Project on Race and Equity, we’re all about facts, not opinions. Our work exposes systemic racism by uncovering discriminatory practices and shining a light on abuses of power that drive racial and economic disparities. Through data and deep-dive investigations, we tell stories that inform people about social issues—and we build and analyze databases to bring systemic injustice into focus.

We’re seeking a Chicago-based reporter to pursue signature, award-winning in-depth investigative reporting on racial equity in partnership with Report for America, a national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to strengthen coverage of underreported issues and communities.

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity is also a training institute, which would allow reporters the opportunity to develop data skills, learn from a community of seasoned journalists and be a part of a collaborative team of mission-driven individuals. Through Report for America, the reporter will also participate in a national training and mentorship program alongside other early- and mid-career journalists across the country.

The ideal candidate is a dogged reporter with great ideas, the ability to produce revelatory and unique stories, and the ability to chase down public records, data and sources to reveal disparities within Chicago. They must have at least three years of full-time professional experience and a proven ability to land enterprise stories.

Responsibilities include:

Producing investigative stories in collaboration with media partners

Conducting research to uncover revelatory findings

Obtaining data and other public records

Gathering, corroborating and interpreting data and documents

Developing sources and interviewing a range of people

Maintaining notes with meticulous documentation of reporting tasks and time spent on project

Fact-checking

Overseeing editorial projects in collaboration with apprentices and interns, teaching and mentoring less experienced reporters

Helping to organize and participate in community engagement activities

Qualifications:

Commitment to investigative and data journalism

Between three and five years of professional reporting experience, including work on investigative, public-interest journalism.

Excellent communication and interviewing skills

Knowledge of and comfort with math and dedication to learning new data skills.

Ability to meet deadlines and fact-check information

Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of peers and sources

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

Ability to develop project ideas and juggle quick, mid-range and long-term investigations

Impeccable organizational skills and attention to detail

A strong commitment to the mission

Personal and professional integrity

We are dedicated to ensuring that our organization reflects the region we cover and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.

Investigative Project on Race and Equity

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