Investigative Reporter – Pioneer Institute – Boston, MA
Pioneer Institute, Massachusetts’ free-market think tank, is seeking a full-time Investigative Reporter to cover state and local politics in addition to in-depth policy issues.
The Investigative reporter will be based in Boston and will travel throughout the state.
Responsibilities for the Investigative Reporter include:
- Managing research and analysis on a multitude of issues relating to the state government’s use of taxpayer dollars
- Covering all aspects of statehouse news when the legislature is in session
- Monitoring and writing government and policy focused stories emanating from state agencies and the Governor’s office
- Covering issues of importance to the state’s electorate, especially those related to policy, politics, and how government involvement helps or hinders the citizenry
- Conception and execution of compelling, sophisticated stories and video interviews that reach a broad online readership
- Producing a lively mix of news and analysis that consumers find both relevant and interesting
- Utilizing new media tools (including Facebook, Twitter, other new media outlets) to maximize public awareness
- Clearly and simply articulating complex policy initiatives, as well as first and second order consequences of such policy
- Taking and editing digital photographs, videos and audio recordings
- Meeting the highest standards of journalistic competence and professionalism
- Partnering with other investigative reporters and journalists from state based news organizations, public-policy institutions & watchdog groups to share leads and information
The ideal candidate for the Investigative Reporter role will have the following attributes:
- Solid background in journalism, investigation, and research
- Experience reporting for print, web, radio, or television outlets; established record of getting published or broadcast
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Solid research and editing skills
- Familiarity with key policy issues
- Knowledge of new media, website maintenance, and basic video production
- Self-starter mentality and ability to work independently
- Ability to uncover original/breaking stories
- Experience utilizing open-records law
- Solid understanding of basic economic principles and how markets work
- A commitment to the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, and free enterprise
- A bachelor’s degree
- Willingness to travel within Massachusetts
Interested candidates should submit a résumé, writing samples (preferably links), and a cover letter detailing salary requirements and your interest in the mission of Pioneer Institute to claire@talentmarket.org.
About Pioneer
Method. By producing research almost exclusively through outside experts, Pioneer ensures credibility, remaining focused on what we do best — developing a strategic research and programs agenda for issues we believe in. We are a resource for legislators on Beacon Hill and for staff in the State’s executive offices, and we attract more press than any other research institute in Massachusetts.
Brand. The application of free markets is not a conservative nor even a libertarian dictum. Markets work. Over the past half-century, governments of all political persuasions have used markets to provide more effective and efficient services.
Independence. We do not accept government grants, are not attached to a university, and do not do contract research. Instead, we address the issues we believe to be most pressing in the context of our mission. We are supported in our efforts by individuals and foundations who believe in our mission and in our ability to fulfill it.
Multi-Media Investigative Journalist – Pelican Institute – New Orleans, LA
The Pelican Institute for Public Policy, Louisiana’s only free market think tank, seeks a Multi-Media Investigative Journalist based in New Orleans.
The investigative journalist 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 ideal candidate must have video production/television experience.
The investigative journalist’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 (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.
Investigative Reporter – Tennessee Center for Policy Research – Nashville, TN
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research, based in Nashville, seeks an investigative reporter to join its team of scholars and government watchdogs. The investigative reporter will work to expose government fraud, waste, and abuse at the state and local levels; generate substantive investigative pieces and content for the Center’s government watchdog website; share information with mainstream and new media outlets; and produce timely, yet thorough, reports of investigative findings. In addition to producing written pieces, the reporter will be expected to make use of audio and video formats to report findings through various new media outlets.
Qualified candidates will possess:
- at least 3 years experience in journalism (print, radio, TV, or web) with a focus on government reporting;
- the ability to navigate both web-based and traditional research tools;
- a demonstrated knowledge of public records requests;
- heavy attention to detail; and
- outstanding writing and verbal communication skills.
The investigative reporter must be capable of pursuing leads and possess the ability to meet deadlines that are integral to the Center’s overall mission. A record of nonpartisanship and experience covering public policy issues is a plus. Some statewide and national travel will be required, though position will be based in Nashville, TN. Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.
Please send a cover letter explaining your philosophical interest in advancing TCPR’s mission, resume, two writing samples, answers to the questions below, and personal and professional references to: claire@talentmarket.org.
Questions (please answer in 100 words or less):
- Have you taken any economics or business classes in school? If so, what are some basic lessons they taught you?
- How does government policy sometimes lead to unintended consequences?
The Tennessee Center for Policy Research was founded in 2004 as an independent, nonprofit and nonpartisan research organization dedicated to providing concerned citizens, the media and public leaders with expert empirical research and timely free market solutions to public policy issues in Tennessee.
