Data Reporter - Polling and Campaigns

Job Description

NBC News is seeking a versatile and experienced journalist to cover polling, elections and other political data, including demographic shifts.

In this role, you will work closely with the director of elections, the Decision Desk team, NBC News’ chief data analyst and the Digital Politics team. Your primary mission is to use data to surface smart, original insights into how Americans are thinking and feeling about their elected officials and the issues that affect their lives and shape their votes — and to help explain what happens on pivotal election nights across multiple digital and linear platforms, including newsletter formats.   

You might have a formal political scientist background. You might be a reporter with an aptitude for statistics. Either way, you must have a track record of authoring thoughtful, nonpartisan, fact-based analysis of public opinion surveys and vote data for a news organization. You must also be a sharp writer, with a knack for translating complex matters to a broad audience. 

Ideally, you have the ability to zoom in on significant data points while capturing larger themes and trends to tell us why what you’re seeing matters. You have experience authoring and explaining methodologies. You have strong knowledge of election procedures, statistical data sets, and geographical and demographic considerations, and some experience or familiarity with standard visualization and data tools. 

You should hate to be beat by the competition when it comes to smart angles. You should also take direction well and be able to execute on the ideas of others. Above all, you are collaborative and eager to work with NBC News colleagues across the organization as we build on our best-in-class election data operation.

This job is based in New York, and will involve being comfortable reporting across NBC News’ many platforms. Your work will help anchor our new subscription service, including but not limited to contributing to newsletters, live chats, and other audience engagement opportunities. The role will report to the director of data and election experiences. 

Responsiblities

• Pitch, execute or contribute to 1-2 quick-turn pieces of original analysis per week (video, newsletter, or other formats)
• Pitch, execute or contribute to tentpole enterprise projects related to elections
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with multiple teams across NBC News

Qualifications

• 10 or more years of professional journalism experience, including experience in covering public opinion polling, election results, and other data, such as demographics
• Experience in writing for newsletters and/or delivering on a newscycle-connected cadence (at least 1-2 pieces per week) and contributing to television, streaming, audio and social platforms 
• Impeccable journalistic writing skills, filing accurate, clean and engaging copy on first draft
• A demonstrated track record of ideating and producing original journalism on a political beat
• Some familiarity or experience with tools such as Excel, R, Python, SQL
• Experience with DTC platforms and social video is a plus 

Desired Characteristics 

• Ability to rapidly interpret data and spot trends
• Strong research skills and editorial judgment

Additional Requirements

• Hybrid: This position currently has a hybrid schedule, which requires contributing from the office a minimum of four days per week. The Company reserves the right to change in-office requirements at any time. 

This position is eligible for company sponsored benefits, including medical, dental and vision insurance, 401(k), paid leave, tuition reimbursement, and a variety of other discounts and perks. Learn more about the benefits offered by NBCUniversal by visiting the Benefits page of the Careers website.

Salary range: $93,000 - $150,000 

Additional Information

As part of our selection process, external candidates may be required to attend an in-person interview with an NBCUniversal employee at one of our locations prior to a hiring decision. NBCUniversal's policy is to provide equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, creed, gender, gender identity or expression, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, veteran status, membership in the uniformed services, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable law.

If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran and require support throughout the application and/or recruitment process as a result of your disability, you have the right to request a reasonable accommodation. You can submit your request to [email protected].

Compensation: 93000 to 150000 (USD) (YEARLY)