Data Journalist

Job Description

WHRO Public Media is the largest local media company in Norfolk, VA, with five TV stations and radio channels. Since 1961, we have been at the pulse of pop culture, technology, current events and most importantly, education. Owned by a collaboration of 21 school divisions, WHRO Public Media offers employment opportunities in a variety of disciplines including communications, education, creative services, programming, interactive services, information technology, development, engineering, accounting and many other areas.

The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO shines a light on issues vital to Virginians. We are seeking a smart and curious data journalist passionate about holding the powerful accountable to join our growing team of investigative journalists.

This is a remote position based in Virginia. 

Duties/Responsibilities: 

• Contribute compelling reporting and in-depth data analysis to enterprise and investigative projects, and produce daily coverage. Topics include military, criminal justice, environment and local issues;
• Aggressively cover and produce stories on campaign finance disclosures, as well as efforts to change campaign finance laws.
• Collaborate with reporters, editors and visual journalists to create data-driven stories;
• Regularly conceive enterprise story ideas and report out your data-driven findings;
• Make public records requests to local, state and federal governments to obtain critical information and hold institutions accountable;
• Use programming languages and other tools to analyze large datasets, scrape websites and automate data collection process;
• Continue to learn new software and presentation tools;

Job Requirements

The ideal candidate will have these preferred qualifications: 

• Three years of experience working with data in a newsroom setting;
• A proven record of producing clean, error-free stories on deadline;
• Ambition, curiosity and the ability to interrogate data using code, analysis and merging disparate databases;
• Technical proficiency in at least one programming language (e.g., Python or R) and database software;
• An ability to generate and execute ideas to make data accessible for readers. For example, developing searchable databases for the public to access;
• Knowledge of software tools such as Flourish, Datawrapper and Tableau to create visualizations and search interfaces, as well as a creative ability to visualize data;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex topics to a wide audience;
• A collaborative mindset and are able to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment;
• Experience collaborating with others and communicate respectfully in a diverse environment;
• Familiarity with machine learning and AI concepts is a plus.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree

Experience:

• Four years of demonstrated experience in professional journalism

• Experience in newsroom, preferably local or regional

• Experience in audio field reporting and production

We recognize that no one person will be equally strong in every area and that some candidates will bring other strengths or experiences that we haven’t described here. We will consider every serious applicant. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. If you are passionate about our work and have a vision to share with us, please apply

Physical Activities

• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.

• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.

• Communicating with others to exchange information.

• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

• Operating motor vehicles.

• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions

• Low temperatures.

• High temperatures.

• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.

• Noisy environments.

• Hazardous conditions.

Physical Demands

• Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification.  It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The employer reserves the right to change or modify the job description as business needs dictate. 

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