Data Reporter (Politics)

Hearst • Houston, TX

1d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Houston Chronicle is hiring a Data Reporter who thrives on finding and telling stories with data in a fast-paced, audience-centered newsroom. In this role, you will be joining the Hearst Texas Data Team, a collaborative group of journalist-programmers who partner with peers at the Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, Houston Chronicle and Hearst DevHub to produce impactful data-focused reporting.

Requirements

• Has at least 5 years of experience working with large, complex datasets in a newsroom setting.
• Understands how to interrogate political and government data, such as campaign finance, lobbying, and election records.
• Has strong news judgment and can move quickly without sacrificing accuracy.
• Is comfortable using Python, R or similar tools to clean, analyze and present data.
• Brings creativity and curiosity to finding stories hidden in spreadsheets and databases.
• Works well with colleagues across teams and thrives in a collaborative environment.
• Is eager to experiment with new storytelling forms and ways of engaging readers.
• This position is full-time.
• It will likely include some weekend and holiday work.
• The successful candidate must be based in Houston or willing to move to the area.

Nice To Haves

• Has skills in web development, data visualization or mapping/GIS.

Responsibilities

• Produce data- and graphics-focused journalism that’s centered on statewide politics, campaign finance, voter registration and other topics in collaboration with other members of the Texas Hearst Data Team and the Houston Chronicle.
• Approach datasets with a healthy dose of skepticism and find trends and stories in the numbers.
• Write and document reproducible, bulletproof code for data analysis.
• Write audience-focused stories and build data visualizations.
• Support and further data literacy in the newsroom by leading data trainings

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees