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Indigenous Journalists Association

Investigative Reporter

Indigenous Journalists Association, Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60290


Position:

Investigative Reporter (ProPublica Local Reporting Network)

Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.Reports to:

Executive Director

Application due:

August 31 2024

Salary:

$76,924, full time, with benefits

The Invisible Institute is hiring an investigative reporter to join our team and work alongside our staff to report on police abuse, state violence, and official secrecy in Chicago and beyond. We are looking for a reporter with experience covering Chicago’s South and West Sides and who has the ability to take a leading role in ambitious investigations that help Chicagoans better understand how police policies and police misconduct affect their lives and how they can respond.

We are looking for an experienced investigative reporter who is capable of helping to develop ideas, tips, and leads into small, medium, or large investigative stories and projects, as well as contribute to reporting led by other members of the organization or one of our collaborators.

This reporter should feel equally at home in telling the stories of people directly impacted by police misconduct and violence with deep care and respect, and in pulling back bureaucratic layers to help readers understand and hold accountable the systems that allow the same violence to continue. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of the criminal justice system in Illinois and of issues that intersect with policing. Upcoming projects include reporting building on the findings of our Beneath the Surface project, which focuses on gender-based violence at the hands of the police.

This position is supported through ProPublica’s Local Reporting Network and is funded for three years. In addition to the Invisible Institute’s team, the reporter will work with a ProPublica editor and, potentially, with members of that newsroom's specialty teams including data, research and others. All stories will be co-published by both organizations.

This is a hybrid role. We are looking for candidates based in Chicago who are able to work alongside our team at our office in Woodlawn on a regular basis, but we also support regular remote work.

Key Requirements and Responsibilities

At least three years of journalism experience with a demonstrated ability to handle major investigative projects

A strong writer who can craft a compelling narrative as well as clearly explain complex policy issues

Demonstrated ability to develop a rich network of sources, including policy experts and people who are impacted by the criminal justice system

Experience interviewing a range of sources from government officials to people who have direct experience with police violence

The ability to work with a highly collaborative and interdisciplinary team

An interest in teaching and mentoring less experienced reporters

Willingness to use investigative tools like Pacer, TLO, and LexisNexis

Experienceaccessing public records through FOIA and other sources

The following skills and experience would be useful for the role, but we do not expect a candidate to have all of them. We welcome hearing about other experiences and skill sets that you believe could help you perform this role.

Experience reporting on the South and West Sides of Chicago

Experience reporting on criminal justice system (especially policing) or related issues, including mental health, housing, or violence prevention

Knowledgeable about communities of the greater Chicago area

Experience working with data to support investigations

Fluency in Spanish

Experience with audio reporting or photography

Benefits and Compensation

This position pays $76,924 with annual cost of living increases. The Invisible Institute uses set tiers of pay for all staff.

Four weeks paid time off, plus sicks days & family leave

Regular holidays, including team-wide weeks off in August and December

Fully-covered healthcare, dental, and vision

Application details

Please apply using this form, which includes a series of short questions and a space to upload your resume. A cover letter is not required for this position. People who have experienced policing firsthand are strongly encouraged to apply, and we welcome candidates with a diverse range of identities and experiences.

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