Investigative Reporter
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Job Description
About Company:
ProPublica is an independent, nonprofit newsroom that produces investigative journalism in the public interest. They launched the Local Reporting Network in 2018 and the 50 State Initiative in 2024, aiming to support accountability reporting projects in every state by the end of 2029. ProPublica is committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment, and especially encourages members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.
Job Description:
ProPublica is seeking five newsrooms in five different states (excluding the 15 where newsrooms have already been selected) to collaborate on an investigative project for one year as part of its Local Reporting Network and 50 State Initiative.
Key Details:
• Partnership: ProPublica will partner with five local newsrooms (radio, TV, and written word outlets are eligible).
• Project: The partnership will focus on an investigative reporting project for one year, starting October 1, 2025.
• Funding: ProPublica will pay the annual salary (up to $75,000 plus an allowance for benefits) for one full-time reporter in each newsroom.
• Responsibilities: The selected reporter will work from and report to their home newsroom, but will receive extensive support and guidance from ProPublica. This includes collaboration with a senior editor and access to ProPublica’s expertise in data, research, engagement, video, and design.
• Publication: The investigative work will be published or broadcast by the local newsroom and simultaneously by ProPublica.
• Application Process:
• Applications should be submitted by the reporter in collaboration with newsroom leaders, with the reporter’s name as the applicant.
• The application should include a memo about the proposed investigative project.
• Strong applications will:
• Explain why the project needs to be told in the specific community.
• Explain how the project would benefit from the collaboration with ProPublica’s resources.
• Discuss how the project may resonate with both local and national audiences.
• The deadline for applications is July 21, 2025, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.
• Applicants will be notified by early September.
• Contact: Questions and application feedback can be directed to Local.Reporting@propublica.org (no phone calls).
• Inclusivity: ProPublica encourages applications from candidates who may not perfectly fit the described criteria and those with skills not explicitly mentioned. They are especially interested in applications from traditionally underrepresented communities.
