Housing Reporter

The WNYC / Gothamist Newsroom is looking for a curious, tenacious, analytical and ambitious reporter to cover one of the most challenging issues for people living in the New York City-New Jersey region: housing. Where people find housing, what that housing looks like, what it costs one family vs. another, and who shares a home -- especially as people age -- are decisions shaped by a host of factors, ranging from government policies and family wealth, to job opportunities and an individual's personal ties to a community. And the pandemic has added new dimensions, like a desire for housing that can accommodate remote work demands and offer a short commute. The right candidate is a proven steady, creative reporter who has a strong understanding of this beat and is able to spot shifting trends. This reporter should have a clear-eyed approach to covering the real estate industry -- not as a mouthpiece, but as a watchdog -- and should be familiar with the region's neighborhoods and how they were impacted by the area’s immigration and transportation laws. The housing reporter should also recognize how different groups - like the elderly, disabled, or recent college graduates - make decisions about where they live, and why. As a member of the Economics and Equity News Desk, this housing reporter will produce originally-sourced, well-researched, timely and compelling stories about individuals, families and children in the New York and New Jersey region who struggle to find stable housing. This reporter will use data and public documents as a foundation for building story lines and themes, and have a solid grasp of local, state and federal systems that govern housing in the region. Reporting will be solutions- and audience-focused, and will include stories produced in audio and text formats. This reporter is both a watchdog and public servant, holding accountable elected officials, activists, nonprofits and public institutions while also giving residents access to vital information to access services.