Education Reporter
New York Focus is seeking a full-time education reporter to investigate state-level K-12 policy. The ideal candidate will be able to uncover the decisions that shape schools, track the influences that shape these decisions, and analyze their impact on children’s day-to-day lives.
New York’s K-12 education system serves 2.5 million students and is a trend setter nationwide. The state spends more per pupil than any other, houses the most populous school district in the country, and maintains a powerful educational labor force. And it’s on the verge of major change: New York could soon make the high-stakes Regents exams optional, potentially a massive shift for teaching and learning.
This education reporter will interrogate system-wide developments like these, following them from initiative to outcome. They’ll monitor how state dollars get spent in schools, keep an eye on key actors, and give families and stakeholders a better understanding of how their state’s school system works.
Applicants should care deeply about kids and bring a strong sense of mission to their work. Ideal candidates will have a command of data and passion for following the money, the ability to build a robust and diverse network of sources, and experience covering education or another social policy area. They will be expected to produce a mix of long-term investigative projects and scoop-driven, quick turnaround stories.
This position can be based anywhere in New York state. Please submit a résumé, cover letter, references, and three clips to hires@nysfocus.com. We’ll be considering applications on a rolling basis.
ABOUT YOU
The ideal candidate will have:
At least 5 years of experience covering a beat related to a social policy issue, and a track record producing impactful, fair-minded stories
Demonstrated investigative and data skills
Ability to write clearly and engagingly
A strong sense of mission and passion for uncovering stories that impact vulnerable communities
Enthusiasm to take part in building a young, growing publication
ABOUT NEW YORK FOCUS
New York Focus is an independent newsroom investigating how power works in the Empire State. In three years, our stories have spurred legislation, shaped regulation, and driven national news cycles. The newsroom is small and collaborative, and this job is a chance to be creative and enterprising in a workplace that encourages ambitious and in-depth storytelling. Read our profile in the New York Times to learn more about us.
We are committed to an inclusive workspace, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. Consistent with federal, state, and local law, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.
COMPENSATION
$70,000 to $80,000 annual salary, plus great benefits.