Demographics and Public Policy Data Reporter
- Employer
- The Washington Post
- Location
- Washington, DC
- Posted
- Nov 01, 2022
- Closes
- Jan 27, 2023
- Ref
- JR-90273836
- Industry
- Public Policy / Public Affairs
- Career Level
- Experienced (Non-Manager)
- Hours
- Full Time
Application Instructions
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post Data Team is seeking a collaborative reporter who can use data and quantitative analysis to cover demography and public policy, helping to explain how the two intersect across many facets of American life. This reporter will be tasked with helping Post readers understand shifting population trends and social movement across the United States as well as resulting impacts on policy.
This position will be embedded in the America desk, a team that chronicles changes in the nation's culture and communities and covers major national news stories. This data reporter will also work frequently with The Post's social issues, democracy and politics teams.
First and foremost, we are seeking someone who can identify great stories powered by data, and who can partner with journalists focused on text, graphics and other story-telling formats. We are looking for someone with a team spirit who has keen instincts for data that can yield compelling stories.
This reporter will tell data-driven, U.S.-based stories focused on demographic dimensions such as gender, race, age and ethnicity. By acquiring data, conducting statistical analysis, creating visualizations and pursuing traditional lines of reporting, we expect this reporter to produce revelatory work that provides insight into how the U.S. is changing and the ways in which public policy is (or is not) addressing emerging disparities.
Candidates should be curious lifelong learners who are happy to help a teammate and who thrive through sharing knowledge and working together. Key skills for the job are critical thinking, deep skepticism and a healthy dose of good cheer. Candidates should also have several years of experience in data journalism, be adept with an analysis language such as R or Python, and have familiarity with SQL, the command line and version control. Spatial analysis and other mapping skills for exploratory analysis are a major plus in this role.
This position is based in Washington, D.C., on The Post's Data Team, a growing group of journalists who work across the newsroom to unearth impactful stories from data.
Interested candidates should send a résumé, three clips as PDFs and a cover letter outlining a vision for the role to our jobs portal. All application materials can be uploaded to the same field. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 08/25/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Data Editor Meghan Hoyer and Team America Editor Cathleen Decker.
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife
Please list all professional experience and explain any gaps in employment history. All of your application materials, which may include PDF files of work samples and/or links to audio, video, photography or graphics, must be uploaded to the field labeled Resume/Cover Letter/Work Samples to be considered for the position.
Job Description
The Washington Post Data Team is seeking a collaborative reporter who can use data and quantitative analysis to cover demography and public policy, helping to explain how the two intersect across many facets of American life. This reporter will be tasked with helping Post readers understand shifting population trends and social movement across the United States as well as resulting impacts on policy.
This position will be embedded in the America desk, a team that chronicles changes in the nation's culture and communities and covers major national news stories. This data reporter will also work frequently with The Post's social issues, democracy and politics teams.
First and foremost, we are seeking someone who can identify great stories powered by data, and who can partner with journalists focused on text, graphics and other story-telling formats. We are looking for someone with a team spirit who has keen instincts for data that can yield compelling stories.
This reporter will tell data-driven, U.S.-based stories focused on demographic dimensions such as gender, race, age and ethnicity. By acquiring data, conducting statistical analysis, creating visualizations and pursuing traditional lines of reporting, we expect this reporter to produce revelatory work that provides insight into how the U.S. is changing and the ways in which public policy is (or is not) addressing emerging disparities.
Candidates should be curious lifelong learners who are happy to help a teammate and who thrive through sharing knowledge and working together. Key skills for the job are critical thinking, deep skepticism and a healthy dose of good cheer. Candidates should also have several years of experience in data journalism, be adept with an analysis language such as R or Python, and have familiarity with SQL, the command line and version control. Spatial analysis and other mapping skills for exploratory analysis are a major plus in this role.
This position is based in Washington, D.C., on The Post's Data Team, a growing group of journalists who work across the newsroom to unearth impactful stories from data.
Interested candidates should send a résumé, three clips as PDFs and a cover letter outlining a vision for the role to our jobs portal. All application materials can be uploaded to the same field. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, but those received by 08/25/2022 will be prioritized. The cover letter should be addressed to Data Editor Meghan Hoyer and Team America Editor Cathleen Decker.
Wherever you are in your life or career, The Washington Post offers comprehensive and inclusive benefits for every step of your journey:
- Competitive medical, dental and vision coverage
- Company-paid pension and 401(k) match
- Three weeks of vacation and up to three weeks of paid sick leave
- Nine paid holidays and two personal days
- 20 weeks paid parental leave for any new parent
- Robust mental health resources
- Backup care and caregiver concierge services
- Gender affirming services
- Pet insurance
- Free Post digital subscription
- Leadership and career development programs
Benefits may vary based on the job, full-time or part-time schedule, location, and collectively bargained status.
The Post strives to provide its readers with high-quality, trustworthy news and information while constantly innovating. That mission is best served by a diverse, multi-generational workforce with varied life experiences and perspectives. All cultures and backgrounds are welcomed.
Ever wondered if what you are doing will Impact Tomorrow? At The Washington Post, every employee shapes the way we deliver the news. Find the career that's right for you
#washpostlife