Newsperson (Philanthropy Reporter, Disaster Relief & Recovery)

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world's population sees AP journalism every day.

Natural and manmade disasters have reshaped the lives of millions in recent years. Climate-driven disasters and violent conflicts have and continue to leave a mark on communities and countries worldwide. The Associated Press seeks an energetic and aggressive reporter to capture the hard work of rebuilding and recovery following disasters, with an emphasis on the role philanthropy plays in this work.

As an organization, the AP seeks to tell the full picture of disasters, not only as they are happening and in following weeks, but also over months and years. It is on this time horizon where innovation often happens and where lessons are learned for the future.

The reporter who fills this role will join a small team of philanthropy reporters. This role may be based in any U.S. city with an AP bureau. This is a staff position covered by AP’s agreement with the News Media Guild.

Responsibilities: In this role, you will focus on covering disaster relief, both in the short term and long term. You’ll help create a systematic approach to covering these crises, including regular check-ins at news sites. You should be comfortable working with colleagues in photo and video and willing to travel regularly to disaster and conflict zones. In addition to writing traditional text stories, you should be enthusiastic about alternative story telling formats and about helping to create engaging content for a range of social media platforms.

Preferred qualifications: We're looking for someone with at least two years of full-time experience in journalism who will consistently break news and deliver high-impact enterprise stories that appeal to AP’s global audience. You should be an idea machine, able to think creatively and critically, and driven by curiosity. It is essential that you can write clearly, concisely and conversationally and deliver success on complex, challenging story lines. You should have strong organizational skills and the ability to juggle multiple projects across formats.

The successful candidate will:

have a strong interest in reporting on philanthropic and charitable organizations, with a record of dealing with difficult topics to produce compelling stories on deadline, and enterprise that is illuminating and entertaining.
be a deep, sensitive and empathetic listener and questioner in interviewing victims of tragedy.
communicate and collaborate with the diverse team of journalists at the AP who operate in all formats.
have a great news sense, with the ability to communicate and drive stories that people will want to share on social media and other platforms.
pursue innovative and inclusive coverage techniques while maintaining AP’s standards for integrity and objectivity.
have the ability and willingness to work any shift, including at night and on weekends, or as coverage demands, as AP is a 24/7 operation.

Required qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
Eligibility to work in the U.S., or the ability to gain permission to do so.
Advanced-level professional competency in written and spoken English. Professional competency in a language besides English is a plus.

We will consider strong candidates who do not meet every listed qualification. You may use a cover letter to describe the unique qualifications you would bring to this role.

This position is covered by The Associated Press’ contract with the News Media Guild, which provides for an annual salary between $46,047 and $80,714 based on location and years of professional experience. AP may offer additional compensation based on a job candidate’s skills, qualifications and market location. Employees are eligible to participate, according to the terms of the official plan documents, in a 401(k) plan and employer-sponsored health insurance plan, and are eligible for paid time off and holidays in accordance with AP policy.

Application deadline is 11:59pm EST on November 27, 2023.