Grant Funded Education Reporter Fellowship (UNION)

USA Today • Detroit, MI

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About The Position

The Detroit Free Press is seeking an enterprising reporter for a one-year, grant-funded fellowship to cover education across Michigan. This role is part of a significant expansion of education reporting in metro Detroit and the state. The journalist will focus on the challenges faced by students in rural, urban, and suburban communities, with a particular emphasis on vulnerable populations. Responsibilities include interpreting data and connecting it to classroom realities. Working with another reporter and editor, the team will utilize various media platforms (video, social media, articles, in-person engagements, visuals) to inform parents, lawmakers, and community leaders about educational challenges and potential solutions. The position will also cover the intersection of education and politics, closely monitoring policy and funding shifts at the state level, especially with a new governor and legislature in power.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 2-5 years of newsroom experience.
• Strong reporting, writing, editing and storytelling skills.
• Experience creating digital-first content, including video and social media storytelling.
• Comfortable on camera explaining issues, conducting interviews and seeking reader input.
• Strong copy editing and self-editing skills.
• Comfortable using social media to enhance reporting and promote your work.
• Strong understanding of audience analytics, SEO and engagement strategies.
• Ability to work independently, build trust with stakeholders and manage multiple deadlines.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.

Responsibilities

• Spotlight the challenges of students across Michigan, including in rural, urban and suburban communities, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.
• Interpret data and connect it with what's happening in the classroom.
• Use every medium and platform — video, social, articles, in-person engagements and visuals — to help parents, lawmakers and community leaders understand the challenges in need of solutions.
• Help readers understand the state of education across Michigan, with an emphasis on the intersection of education and politics.
• Closely watch policy and funding shifts at the state level, as a governor and legislature comes into power at the state capitol.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level