Data Journalist

Whro - Norfolk, VA

Full-time - Entry Level

Remote - Norfolk, VA

11-50 employees

About the position

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.

Responsibilities

• Contribute compelling reporting and in-depth data analysis to enterprise and investigative projects, and produce daily coverage on topics including 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 processes.
• Continue to learn new software and presentation tools.

Requirements

• 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, such as developing searchable databases for public 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 ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Experience collaborating with others and communicating respectfully in a diverse environment.
• Familiarity with machine learning and AI concepts is a plus.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in audio field reporting and production.

Benefits

• Flexible work schedules
• Matching retirement savings
• Solid health insurance options
• Comprehensive health benefits
• Family-friendly policies