AI Innovation Journalist/Developer

Job Description

McClatchy, a digitally driven media company focused on innovation, seeks a dedicated AI Innovation Journalist & Developer who will sit at the intersection of journalism and technology. This position is aimed at integrating artificial intelligence in ways that enhance our storytelling and reporting capabilities.

Reporting to the Lead Editor for AI Innovation in Journalism, the AI Innovation Journalist/Developer will play a crucial role in our newsrooms' ongoing digital transformation. This position requires a unique blend of journalistic prowess, traditional journalistic integrity and a keen interest in AI technologies. 

The position will be part of a small and growing team tasked with driving sustainable innovation around AI technology across McClatchy's newsrooms. Your role will focus on using AI technology to enhance our journalism and working directly with our journalists on the strategic implementation and development of AI tools. 

You will be instrumental in exploring, testing, and implementing AI tools within our reporting processes, contributing to in-house tool development and helping journalists across our markets use AI tools to elevate their work. This includes training our journalists in the use of AI technologies.

This position is remote but will ideally be located near one of McClatchy’s 30 markets.

The anticipated base pay range for this position is between $65,000 and $85,000 a year. Individual base pay may vary within that range depending on job-related knowledge, skills, experience, relevant education, department equity, training, geography and local wage and hours laws.

What you'll bring:

• Collaborate closely with the Lead Editor for AI Innovation and other members of the team to identify and evaluate AI technologies that can enhance reporting and journalism.
• Actively participate in the testing and adoption of AI tools across McClatchy’s newsrooms, documenting best practices, lessons from failure and success stories.
• Contribute to the development of custom AI solutions tailored to the needs of our journalists and audiences.
• Support the rollout of AI training initiatives, assisting colleagues in navigating and utilizing new tools effectively.
• Serve as a liaison between the AI innovation team and newsrooms, ensuring a smooth integration of AI technologies into daily journalistic practices.

Knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in journalism or reporting.
• A strong interest in and experience with artificial intelligence and its application in journalism.
• A solid understanding of journalistic principles and ethics.
• Proficiency with one or more coding languages (Python, JavaScript etc.) for data analysis
• Experience documenting, reviewing and deploying code collaboratively in a cloud-based environment.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to and embrace new technologies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts in clear, engaging ways.

What we'll bring:

• A chance to be at the forefront of integrating AI technology into journalism, shaping the future of news reporting.
• A flexible, remote working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A culture that values innovation, inclusivity and professional development.

As a journalist at McClatchy, you will join a supportive, flexible, collaborative team. McClatchy strives to be an employer of choice, and our benefits package is made with this goal in mind. With a focus on health, well-being, wealth and daily life, our package options include healthcare coverage for employees and their families, financial protection from expected and unexpected expenses, multiple no-cost wellness resources and even coverage for four-legged friends. 

Our overall benefits package also includes a 401(k) with employer match, competitive paid time off and corporate holidays, and a variety of mental health benefits. With an excellent support team and with focus on your well-being as a top corporate strategy, McClatchy provides benefits to support you and your family in achieving your health and wellness goals. For more information on McClatchy's benefit plan, please visit McClatchyLivewell.com. 

How to apply:

Interested candidates should submit their resume, cover letter, and samples of their work through our careers portal at McClatchy Careers. Your cover letter should highlight your interest in AI and journalism, and how you believe AI can transform the industry.

About McClatchy Media Company:

The McClatchy Media Company features a portfolio of vibrant and trusted news, lifestyle, entertainment brands and a robust retail distribution network. Our iconic local news brands such as the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star and The Sacramento Bee, have collectively earned a total of 57 Pulitzer prizes and are complemented by popular lifestyle and entertainment brands such as Us Weekly and Woman’s World. Together, our brands reach more than 100 million unique visitors a month,The McClatchy Retail Network, our distribution and logistics arm, offers delivery to more than 56,000 retail locations weekly.

Job Requirements

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience in Journalism, Communications, or a related field.
• Demonstrable experience in journalism or reporting.
• A strong interest in and experience with artificial intelligence and its application in journalism.
• A solid understanding of journalistic principles and ethics.
• Proficiency with one or more coding languages (Python, JavaScript etc.) for data analysis
• Experience documenting, reviewing and deploying code collaboratively in a cloud-based environment.
• Quick learner with the ability to adapt to and embrace new technologies.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively in a team-oriented environment.
• Ability to translate complex technical concepts in clear, engaging ways.

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