Investigative Reporter- Quick Strike

Summary

Produces quick-turn investigations, stories often spun from news of the moment, anything from an unexpected indictment of an elected official to an infrastructure collapse or a public records document dump that demands urgency. Expect a fast-paced environment with turn-arounds typically ranging from one-to-three days to a week or two, or more. Because this reporter will often be paired with beat reporters across the newsroom, the ability to work well with others is crucial.

About Us

The Philadelphia Inquirer is a public benefit corporation owned by the nonprofit Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Together, we’re at the center of a critical mission to create a lasting future for ambitious, engaging, and useful local journalism. We’re doing this, in part, by deepening our connection with the communities we serve. Our integrated digital and print platforms are the Philadelphia region’s largest media network. We’re passionate about building a sustainable model for indispensable local journalism, and we take pride in finding diverse, dynamic, and talented individuals to help push our team forward.

What You'll Do

• Write and report compelling, well-organized accountability stories
• Generate a steady stream of story ideas that you can pursue on your own or with others
• Always report fairly, accurately and thoroughly
• Ensure reporting offers a window on the communities we serve, that reflect their spirit, their personalities, their diversity
• Be a persistent user of FOIA and public-records requests
• Make use of visual elements to augment storytelling
• Cultivate sources and build subject matter expertise and audience around topics
• Use social media both as a reporting tool and as a venue for promoting work
  
  

Who We're Looking For

• Have a minimum of five years of reporting experience, including significant works of investigative reporting
• Have a track record of producing sharp, revelatory stories on tight deadlines, superior writing ability, and a history of public-records use.
• Know how to quickly background an individual or company using online criminal and civil court dockets, as well as campaign finance, business, and regulatory
• databases, and in-house search tools.
• Be a skilled interviewer who gets subjects to talk on the record
• Possess curiosity and enthusiasm for investigating subjects beyond the usual cops, courts and city hall, such as business, sports, entertainment, healthcare.
• Be proficient in digital content-management tools and basic photo-editing skills
• Possess data literacy and analysis skills
• Have the ability to gather, edit and post basic video and audio
• Be able to interpret audience analytics to inform newsgathering decisions
  
  

The Philadelphia Inquirer is committed to attracting a diverse group of interested people to join our team, so please err on the side of applying even if you’re unsure if you meet all the qualifications. We encourage anyone to apply who shares our passion for indispensable journalism and our drive to create a sustainable business model to support it.

As an equal opportunity employer, The Inquirer is building an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone feels a sense of belonging. We especially encourage people from marginalized and underrepresented backgrounds to apply, including people of color, women, people from the LGBTQIA+ community, and people with disabilities.