Freelance Pitch Form
About The Position
ProPublica occasionally considers supporting ambitious accountability stories or projects from independent journalists whose ideas align with its public-interest mission. Proposed investigations should be revelatory or substantially advance understanding of an important subject, clearly demonstrate harm, identify who is responsible and what should change, and have the potential to prompt needed reforms. A story may focus on a place or a person, but should illuminate an issue of broader relevance. Applicants should present a clear hypothesis grounded in significant reporting, including relevant anecdotes, data or documents already gathered; what they expect to find; and potential accountability stories. They should describe, as far as possible, what the investigation will require, such as data work, travel and public-records requests, and explain what data, documents and source relationships they already have. Applicants should also explain why they are particularly suited to conduct the investigation. Applications are reviewed as they arrive, and ProPublica aims to notify candidates about proposals within two weeks of submission. For accepted proposals, ProPublica pays competitive freelance rates, including reporting expenses. Freelancers are independent contractors, not employees, and are responsible for required taxes and understanding applicable tax laws. ProPublica encourages applicants from traditionally underrepresented communities and is committed to diversity and an inclusive environment. It is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination and harassment.
Requirements
- Submit an ambitious accountability investigation proposal aligned with ProPublica’s public-interest mission.
- Present a clear hypothesis grounded in significant reporting and describe gathered anecdotes, data or documents, expected findings and potential accountability stories.
- Explain the investigation’s anticipated needs, such as data work, travel and public-records requests, and identify data, documents and source relationships already available.
- Explain why you are particularly suited to conduct the investigation.
Benefits
- Competitive freelance rates for accepted proposals
- Reporting expenses included for accepted proposals
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What This Job Offers
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