News Assistant, Data

About the role

The New York Times Newsroom Operations team is seeking a News Assistant to support its data journalism teams, focusing on elections and weather data. The role involves a variety of tasks that support reporters and editors, requiring strong organization, flexibility, and a willingness to learn new skills. This is an in‑office position in New York City with a minimum of four days per week in the office. The position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.

Responsibilities

• Assist with data entry for poll collection pages.
• Fact‑check and verify figures in stories, charts, and polling releases.
• Gather information and call county officials to verify election‑night data.
• Help manage audience accounts, including generating, proofreading, and fact‑checking audience‑related tasks.
• Assist in project management by keeping documentation and project boards up‑to‑date.
• Monitor audience metrics for the weather team.
• Eagerly tackle new responsibilities as the need arises.
• Demonstrate support for journalistic independence and a strong commitment to the mission of seeking truth and helping people understand the world.

Basic Qualifications

• 1+ years experience with Google Workspace, including Google Sheets.
• 1+ years experience in a role requiring research, data journalism, or fact‑checking.
• Experience in a fast‑paced environment.
• Demonstrated troubleshooting and problem‑solving skills; attention to detail.
• Attention to detail, organization, and self‑directedness.
• Comfort talking to people on the phone.

Preferred Qualifications

• Interest in elections and/or weather.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A passion for learning about new tools and journalism formats.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize to meet deadlines.
• Any experience in a coding language or expert‑level spreadsheet skills.

Pay

Annual base pay range: $67,626 – $68,000 USD.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s).
• Company‑matching 401(k) plan.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid sick days.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development programs.
• Variable compensation such as an annual bonus and restricted stock.