Reports to: Managing Editor

Verite reporters will investigate and publish daily analysis and deep reporting supported by data journalism using race-conscious empathy and accountability currently missing in the traditional media model. These efforts will shed new light on systems and policies that have perpetuated poverty and limited opportunities for generations.

The ideal journalist will be someone with reporting experience who understands that race and inequality is a socially relevant issue for people of all colors. This candidate will serve on a growing newsroom team that will thoughtfully create a multifaceted portfolio of reporting, including daily/breaking news stories as well as deeper-dive investigative features, to explore our state’s complicated race and equity framework and bring some much-needed transparency to its processes. 

Expectations:

  • Work with a small team of journalists who are focused solely on social inequities and racial equality in our area.
  • Develop your own story ideas as well as be willing to collaborate closely with a small team of like-minded journalists
  • Getting people to talk, finding willing sources and being able to protect them while telling sensitive and timely stories
  • Build trust: Many people who have been impacted by inequities in Louisiana have been victims of predatory actions from other journalists or media outlets. This will require empathy, patience and savvy.
  • Work with our Audience Team and data and visual journalists to create compelling story presentations.

Qualified candidates should have:

  • A bachelor’s degree in journalism or communications or related field. 
  • The ability to work quickly, but with accuracy and good news judgment.
  • 5 to 10 years of Watchdog or investigative journalism experience.
  • Ability to independently develop and cultivate sources.
  • Ability to use social media for research and to engage readers.
  • Digital storytelling skills and an open mind to trying new approaches.

It’s a plus if you have:

  • Louisiana reporting experience
  • Experience writing a combination of both long form stories and investigations
  • A demonstrated ability to work quickly, and under tight deadlines
  • Knowledge and understanding of nonprofit journalism
  • Experience working in a collaborative newsroom setting

What you’ll get:

  • The opportunity to work alongside award-winning journalists and make significant contributions to Louisiana’s only fully staffed, nonprofit, nonpartisan digital news and information source.
  • Highly competitive salary with medical insurance, and options for vision and dental insurance.
  • Cellphone stipend.
  • 29 days paid time off.
  • Up to 12 weeks of parental family leave, with return-to-work flexibility.
  • Simple IRA with 3 percent company matching. Group-term life insurance provided to employees ($15,000 policy).
  • Support for professional training and attending industry conferences.

How to Apply:

We’re committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents the people and communities we serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply for this position, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people who are differently abled.

Please send your resume, contact information and links or attachments to relevant work product to dpenny@veritenews.org.