Data journalist

MinnPost is hiring a data journalist to produce distinctive, data-driven stories, visualizations, dashboards and other products that enhance readers’ understanding of complex issues affecting Minnesota. We’re looking for someone whose reporting and analysis will hold those in power to account and illuminate and explain stories on state and local government on topics including the economy, housing, health, education, poverty, transportation, elections, the environment, public safety, and more. We’re also looking for someone who can help the MinnPost newsroom innovate and embrace new tools, including AI, to better serve readers.

This journalist will frequently collaborate with our reporters on both quick-turn and in-depth stories that add context and insight while uncovering trends and key developments. They will also have time and space for solo stories and projects, contributing to MinnPost’s efforts to improve Minnesotans’ access to high-quality journalism and equip them to make better decisions. Through republication partnerships, outside appearances on other media, and occasional MinnPost events, this writer’s work will help grow MinnPost’s reach and impact while solidifying our place in the broader Minnesota media ecosystem as the trusted, go-to source for in-depth, explanatory journalism.

The data journalist will be expected to regularly engage with colleagues and editors, contributing to a collaborative team keen on ensuring our stories engage readers on multiple platforms. We’re looking for someone who has experience juggling and successfully executing both long- and short-term projects. MinnPost is a member of the Institute for Nonprofit News (INN), Local Independent Online News (LION) Publishers, and the Minnesota Newspaper Association (MNA), and we’re excited about the possibility for this journalist to connect with other newsrooms on data projects.

Responsibilities

• Generate ideas, plan, and execute both long-term and quick-turn data-driven stories and projects
• Seek out existing data sources, make data requests, and conduct interviews for data-driven stories
• Scrape, clean, and analyze data; create data visualizations
• Collaborate with reporters and editors at MinnPost and occasionally with external partners on editorial projects
• Work with editors to teach and encourage best practices in data journalism in the newsroom

Requirements

• At least three years of experience creating data-driven journalism
• Outstanding data analysis skills and experience finding and requesting public data
• Demonstrated mastery of Google Sheets/Excel, Datawrapper, Ruby, Python, and other data analysis, visualization, and programming tools
• Experience applying AI tools for data analysis and other reporting tasks
• Solid writing and excellent communication skills, including the ability to explain complex issues and ideas to colleagues and readers
• Ability to multitask and work on deadline, turning stories quickly when necessary
• Self-starting, proactive attitude and a track record of collaborating with colleagues

There are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who hold important skills we haven’t listed. Don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Benefits

• Health insurance (80% for employees / 50% for partners or dependents)
• Dental insurance with employer paying 80% of premiums for employees
• 401(k) dollar-for-dollar employer match up to 3% for all 401(k) contributions or eligible student loan payments
• Monthly phone stipend
• Generous time off: 15 days vacation per year to start, 8 paid holidays, 4 floating holidays, 12 days sick time
• Paid birthing person health leave (100% up to 6 weeks) and paid family leave (100% up to 8 weeks)
• Short-term disability insurance
• Life insurance
• Options for employee-paid vision, long-term disability, and supplemental life insurance

Pay

$85,000–$95,000 per year

Applicants must be eligible to work in the United States. The position is based in Minnesota, with a preference for the Twin Cities. Candidates currently located outside of Minnesota would need to relocate within six months. This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement with TNG-CWA 37002, the Minnesota Newspaper & Communications Guild.