Investigative Reporter – Pelican Institute – New Orleans, LA

The Pelican Institute for Public Policy, Louisiana’s only free market think tank, seeks an Investigative Reporter based in New Orleans.

The investigative reporter will be responsible for projects that increase the public’s access to spending information of state and local governments. This will include developing regular content for the website and writing stories on government spending. The ideal candidate will have a track record of cultivating sources, gaining access to public records, and breaking news stories.

The investigative reporter’s work will be distributed through our website, print media, blogging, video journalism, radio programs, and other formats. The ideal candidate will have three to six years of experience in news reporting, blogging, computer-assisted research, and presentation skills. The investigative journalist will need to be a great writer, highly motivated, able to work with minimal oversight, and possess an ability to exercise sound judgment.

Candidates must have the following attributes: 

• Solid background in journalism (print and broadcast would be ideal), investigation, and research (three to six years reporting experience preferred)
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills
• Knowledge of open-records laws
• Knowledge of new media, social media (Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Digg), website maintenance, and basic video production
• Experience creating or maintaining a blog
• Video production/television experience preferred (ability to report, shoot and edit stories)
• Ability to work independently and identify news-worthy stories
• Experience utilizing open-records law
• Solid understanding of basic economic principles and how markets work
• A bachelor’s degree (journalism preferred)
• Ability to work independently and outside normal business hours
• Reliable transportation 

Interested candidates should submit a résumé, writing samples, video samples, and a cover letter detailing salary requirements and his/her interest in the mission of the Pelican Institute to claire@talentmarket.org. 

About the Pelican Institute for Public Policy

The Pelican Institute is a nonprofit, nonpartisan research institute dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, the free market and limited, accountable government. Through research papers, policy briefings, commentaries and conferences, the Institute seeks to educate and inform Louisiana’s policymakers, news media and general public.