Investigative Correspondent

Howard University•Washington, DC

1d•$80,000 - $90,000

About The Position

As part of Howard University’s newly-launched Institute for Advanced Study, The Emancipator is an award-winning nonprofit digital magazine that reimagines the nation’s first abolitionist newspapers for a new day. Our mission, like those who came before us, is to leverage the power of journalism to turn public opinion against racist policies and ideas. We expose the history, harms, and pervasiveness of racial inequity and injustice in all aspects of life, and explore solutions for its abolition. From health disparities, the wealth gap, climate inequality and police violence to racism experienced by those throughout the world, The Emancipator confronts the biggest racial justice issues of our time. JOB PURPOSE: As a key member of The Emancipator’s editorial team, the Investigative Correspondent is responsible for taking lead on the news organization’s investigative news coverage ensuring we “stay in the conversation” with mission-focused content that is sharp, timely, relevant, deftly and deeply researched and vetted, and well reported and written. The Investigative Correspondent is a player coach who can not only uncover, research, and report racial injustices, but also supports colleagues and junior staffers in producing high caliber content. The Investigative Correspondent reports directly to the Managing Editor. This position is funded by a one-year grant, with the possibility of renewal.

Requirements

Based in the Washington D.C. metro area
Master’s Degree or higher
Minimum 7 years of investigative reporting experience
Demonstrated reporting on race and justice editorial content
Demonstrated ability to participate on teams of varied sizes–including those that include freelancers/contributors
Demonstrated investigative reporting experience – especially in nonprofit newsrooms
Demonstrated knowledge of and experience in directly producing exclusive scoops on federal politics and policy coverage, breaking and timely news, in-depth and investigative work, and cultural analysis
Demonstrated experience in reporting and producing investigative content as shorter-turn, mid-range, and longer-term efforts and as part of newsroom-wide thematic projects
Knowledge of digital publishing protocols and analytics
Experience with CMS and digital editing software
Strong attention to detail and organization accuracy with recordkeeping
Troubleshooting and problem-solving expertise
Demonstrated initiative to work self-directed yet with a collaborative style
Strong verbal and written communications skills
Highly skilled in investigative reporting and writing
Proficient in CMS, news analytics tools, social media platforms, video and photo databases
Skilled in navigating government, public records, and archival databases
Sharp and highly experienced news judgment
Meticulous in handling and publishing editorial content
Diligent in producing accurate, timely, well reported, vetted, and sourced news content
Effectively manage time to meet project deadlines
Handle multiple tasks and adjust priorities based on project needs
Offer solutions to editorial and organizational challenges
Adhere to newsroom best practices
Clear and effective written and verbal communication
Provide instructions and feedback to students or junior staff
Work well within a team and contribute to group projects
Ability to “manage up” with higher level leadership
Flexibly adapt to new technologies and methods
Continuously learn and seek professional development
Oversee content from inception to completion
Track progress and report on outcomes

Responsibilities

Collaborate with The Emancipator team on editorial matters
Ensure the confidentiality and preservation of sensitive information
Adhere to newsroom operational structure and editorial workflows
Attend newsroom meetings and events as well as those conducted by IAS more broadly where required and as needed
Utilize editorial support services such as webpage hosting, photos, videos, Slack, and social media
Serve as a collegial, professional, and efficient newsroom presence
Support the strategic editorial coverage plan and execution
Adhere to the publishing calendar and cadence
Pitch timely, relevant, mission-aligned content
Report, write, and web produce stories, essays, scripts, social posts
Collaborate with team members and contribute to group projects
Support fellow reporters, producers, and freelancers by offering feedback and guidance
Help maintain a collegial and professional newsroom environment
Coordinate with other departments or external partners when necessary and directed
Communicate collegially, clearly and effectively, both in writing and verbally
Collaborate with the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor on the pursuit of and attendance at professional development opportunities such as conferences, lectures, and speaking engagements
Collaborate with the Editor-In-Chief and Managing Editor and, where applicable, Howard University public relations office, on media engagement