Data Journalist at The International Center for Investigative Reporting (ICIR)

Job Summary:

• The Data Journalist will collect, analyze, and interpret data to uncover stories that highlight important social, economic, and political trends. This role involves collaborating closely with the editorial team, using data visualization and other digital tools to craft accessible and engaging reports. The ideal candidate has a strong passion for investigative storytelling, a solid background in data analysis, and is adept at working with large datasets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Generate and pitch data-driven story ideas that align with the ICIR’s editorial mission and for how they might be developed and visualize for a variety of platforms.
• Collect, clean, and analyze datasets from various sources, including government databases, public records, and proprietary sources.
• Collaborate with editors, reporters, and designers to create data visualizations (charts, maps, infographics) that enhance the narrative and accessibility of stories.
• Make the most of data and visual journalism tools and workflows to create content of high editorial and technical standards.
• Develop interactive digital tools and automated dashboards that engage readers and allow them to explore data independently.
• Improve data quality through routine monitoring
• Stay updated on current events, trends, and issues in data journalism to enhance story relevancy.
• Fact-check and verify data sources, ensuring the accuracy and credibility of published content.
• Research, write, coordinate, manage and deliver on tight deadlines the production of high-quality added-value digital content including information graphics, maps, graphical interactives, multimedia explainers, data journalism, data visualization and other bespoke- format web content.
• Build models to address new content problem
• Manage the data pipeline from flat file sources, third party systems to data warehouse processing, including automation of routine processes.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to manage data logistics- including data transfers, understanding structures, business rules etc to enable project execution.
• Support the ICIR team to make the most of the available tools, to improve commissioning and workflows.
• Perform other duties as may arise.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related field.
• Proven experience (2+ years) in data journalism or data analysis, preferably within a media or news organization.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools such as Excel, SQL, R, or Python.
• Experience with data visualization tools like Tableau, Flourish, Datawrapper, or similar.
• Strong understanding of journalistic ethics and accuracy in reporting.
• Ability to translate complex data into clear, accessible narratives.
• Excellent writing and communication skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Familiarity with web development languages (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) is a plus.