Apprentice

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity offers early-career journalists an apprenticeship training program that provides the foundational skills required to produce deeply reported investigative projects on critical issues in the Chicago area at the intersection of policy and racial equity.

The Chicago-based Apprenticeship has three elements: hands-on investigative reporting, training in investigative methods and techniques, and mentorship from the Project’s vast network of veteran journalists in Chicago and across the country.

Apprentices are paired with an experienced editor and reporter who will guide them through reporting assignments related to an investigative project. Duties include obtaining/analyzing data and other public records, interviews, writing, fact-checking and the other fundamentals of investigative reporting.

Apprentices report to the Managing Editor.

We are seeking three Chicago-based apprentices. The position requires a time commitment of up to 10 hours per week, for 12 months, with an option to renew upon the approval of the Project Director. Most of the work will be done remotely, but occasional in-person meetings, interviews and events are required.

Responsibilities include:

Conduct research to uncover interesting and significant patterns and practices
Obtain data and other public records through the Freedom of Information Act
Gather, corroborate and interpret data and documents
Develop sources and interview a range of key people to obtain more information
Maintain a reporting journal with meticulous documentation of reporting tasks
Weekly reporting of work accomplished and time spent on project
Fact-check
The Apprentice will also participate in various training and mentorship opportunities

Suggested qualifications:

Strong writing skills
Excellent communication and interviewing skills
Ability to meet deadlines and fact-check information under a reporter’s guidance
Successfully published original news reports or segments
Familiarity with and commitment to reporting on equity issues, investigative and data journalism
Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of peers
The most successful candidates will possess the following:
Highly organized and detail-oriented
A strong commitment to our mission
Personal and professional integrity
A willingness and commitment to learning

We are dedicated to ensuring that our organization reflects the region we cover and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment for people of different ages and backgrounds. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.