Data Journalism Editor
American University
Data Journalism Editor
American University
Research university in Washington, DC
American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University
Department:
Time Type:
Full time
Job Type:
FLSA Status:
ExemptWork Modality:
Union:
Job Description:
Summary:
The Investigative Reporting Workshop seeks an outstanding data journalist to lead our dataand artificialintelligencejournalism efforts, mentor others, and translate complex data into impactful investigative stories, while contributing creatively and strategically to the newsroom.
The DataJournalismEditor handles daily and long-term dataassignmentsforvarious journalism projects withinIRW, a nonprofit newsroom based at the School of Communication). The Data Editor works withother editorsand internsand graduate fellowson data collection, data cleaning, data management, data analysis, and data visualizations.
The DataJournalismEditor reports to the Executive Editor. This position works under general supervision and will interact with other staff, students, faculty, and consultantsat IRW. The DataJournalismEditorensuresthatourdata-driven investigations are based on sound data management and analysis principles, and that data findings areaccurateand based on acceptedbest practices in journalism.
Our ideal applicants have at least three tofiveyears of experience in data journalism, including statistical analysis and reporting stories from data, and some experience in programming.Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models and their applications is preferred.We want a journalist who cares about finding stories among those communities that are often underrepresented in the media, and onewho is passionate about accurate storytelling across platforms.
Exceptional candidates with important skills that do not precisely match the above description are welcome to apply and tell us aboutthemselves.
Essential Functions:
1.) Data Analysis and Reporting
Develop and execute plans foracquiring, analyzing, cleaning, andpresenting data used by the Investigative Reporting Workshop for potential stories.
Pitch anddevelopstory ideas for future projects.
2.) Editing
Check and re-check thousands of documents, reviewing the work of student journalists and graduate fellows who obtain data and documents through public-records requests, court records,and online sources.
Draft orassign draftsof allmethodologyused in stories and projects for potential publication.
3.) Training and Presentations
Developsideas for on-site workshops and events,andparticipatesinpanels at national conferences, including, but not limited to, IRE and NICAR, theInvestigative Reporters and Editors and its spinoff, the National Institute for Computer Assisted Reporting, respectively.
This position alsofrequentlyspeaks to American University’s graduate boot-camp students and to the Dow Jones training workshops for business reporters held at American University.
4.) Other Duties as Assigned
Maintain frequent contact with smaller nonprofit newsrooms working with IRW on data-heavy projects.
Other assignments as needed.
Supervisory Responsibility:
This position supervises one to three part-time studentreportersandgraduatefellows.
Competencies:
Acquiring and Analyzing Information.
Prioritizing andOrganizing.
Collaborative Leadership.
Supporting Coworkers.
Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:
Full-time.
35 hours per week.
In-person position and eligible for Hybrid 1 schedule.
Position is located at the Investigative Reporting Workshop atAmerican University School of Communication (SOC)in Washington, D.C.
Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.
Salary Range:
$70,000.00 - $80,000.00 annually.
Required Education and Experience:
Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
3 - 5 years of relevant experience.
Preferred Education and Experience:
Master's degree or equivalent.
Travel Required:
Occasional travel mayberequired.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications:
Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume with their application.
Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment.
Proficiencyin the following are preferred and would be an asset to this work: 1.) Statistics and statistical analysis tools, includingRESTful Service Query Language (RSQL), Excel, Python, 2.) ExpertiseinFreedom of Information Act (FOIA),Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), and other public-records resources, 3.) Server management, 4.) Database management, especially Postgres 5.) Web development, especially news applications and data visualization tools.
Other Duties:
Pleasenote thatthis job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensivelistingof activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job. Duties,responsibilitiesand activities may change at any time with or without notice.
Benefits
AU offers a competitive benefits package. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.
Other Details
Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
American University is an E-Verify employer.
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Contact Us
For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email [email protected].
American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.
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