The Examination is seeking an enterprising and collaborative data editor to help drive powerful investigations on global health threats and corporate accountability.
They will lead our team’s efforts to identify, obtain and analyze information from all manner of private and public sources, including through public records requests, the scraping of websites, data sets hidden in the distant corners of public websites, and much more.
The Data Editor determines how best to organize and interrogate data in order to yield the most newsworthy findings and is responsible for overseeing the integrity of data findings across all of the newsroom’s output. This person is involved in story and project planning from the outset to ensure that data objectives are met. They will also oversee efforts to produce original international datasets that support our investigations and strategic goals.
Although this is not a strictly technical role, the successful candidate will need to be able to pursue and supervise technical data reporting approaches and maintain rigorous standards throughout. They should be comfortable using tools like Datawrapper to create basic charts and maps, and working closely with designers and other specialists on more advanced data visualizations or interactives.
This is a key leadership position that reports to the managing editor.
Launched in 2023, The Examination is an award-winning nonprofit news organization that investigates global health, working in collaboration with news outlets around the world.
Tasks will include:
Serve as the point person in the newsroom for any set of data, from public or private sources, who assesses its methodology and reporting potential and determines how best to organize and explore the information
Evaluate story pitches to identify data or research-driven approaches that could lead to new insights and fresh angles and/or provide quantitative rigor to investigative stories, and guide reporters and editors to execute with proper oversight
Identify the technological and statistical resources and needs that our investigative goals require, and utilize a solid understanding of common data journalism tools and techniques to conduct or oversee work using Excel, statistics and statistical analysis tools, programming techniques, database and server management systems as needed
Write data memos to clearly outline objectives, challenges, and viable paths for data-driven research and reporting endeavors that support strategic goals
Manage and maintain key organizational datasets and oversee any outward-facing data product
Supervise data team contributors, such as data reporters, freelance contractors, data visualization producers, web developers, and technical specialists
Maintain rigorous standards for data analysis and fact-checkin and bulletproof and spot-check data work done by other journalists, sources or contributors
Coach and train journalists on our team and media partners in research techniques, data collection methods, analysis, visualization etc. and best practices that are relevant to an investigative project
Identify and work with outside entities (universities, scientists, researchers, technical specialists) to boost the capabilities of our data team
Build relationships with data journalists at other news organizations, helping identify ways to collaborate on stories between newsrooms and across borders
Work closely with reporters and editors across the newsroom to build an internal resource library of information and sources, in the US and internationally, that could be mined for stories on the beats we cover
Propose original stories, investigations and project scouting opportunities
Stay up-to-date with emerging data and computational reporting techniques such as machine learning, automation and generative AI applications
Represent The Examination in the data journalism community by strategically attending and speaking at key professional conferences and online convenings
Desired qualifications:
At least 10 years experience in data journalism, ideally including leadership experience
Experience in international reporting and research and familiarity with navigating datasets, such as corporate and legal records, in different countries
Demonstrated ability to develop and vet methodologies, tactics and tools for powerful and original data-driven reporting, and a strong grasp of methodological and statistical pitfalls
Experience using reproducible data analysis methods and creating accessible documentation
Familiarity, experience or proficiency with tools and techniques such as R, SQL, Python, Observable, and data visualization tools like Datawrapper
Enthusiasm for collaborating with teams across the newsroom and with external partners
Excellent attention to detail and organization, communication and interpersonal skills
Ability to manage deadlines across time zones and effectively juggle priorities between multiple ongoing projects
Experience managing complex and collaborative projects and establishing effective workflows
Excellent news judgment with an eye toward international and accountability reporting
A strong commitment to transparency and ethical and inclusive data collection practices, especially in regard to marginalized or under-represented communities
Experience in cross-border investigative journalism, and/or health, business, or science reporting is a plus
Language skills are a plus
Web development experience, including javascript, is a plus
Pay and benefits:
The estimated salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 - $130,000. The final figure will take into account experience, achievements and location.
The Examination is a fully remote newsroom with excellent health and retirement benefits, a generous vacation and paid leave policy and a commitment to invest in the careers of the journalists on our staff.
People of color, people with disabilities, immigrants, LGBTQ+ people and those with experiences in the communities we cover are strongly encouraged to apply.
We are an equal opportunity employer and have zero tolerance for discrimination or harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or any other status protected under applicable law.This job is envisioned as a United States-based position, but if you live elsewhere in the world and feel you are otherwise well-qualified, we welcome you to apply. Please note that the terms of engagement may change depending on the country of residence.
We understand that there are great candidates whose qualifications may not match what we’ve described above, or who have other kinds of work experience that makes them well suited for this position. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.
How to apply:
To apply, please email the following to work@theexamination.org.
Your resumé
A short cover letter describing why you’re interested in this position
Links or copies of three data-driven stories that you played a key role in, with a brief description of how you shaped the approach or methodology