Senior Data Reporter

PA Media Group; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 35,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent media organization is seeking a Senior Data Journalist to transform complex datasets into accessible stories. The successful candidate will deliver high-quality journalism, mentor colleagues, and utilize AI tools to enhance reporting. Essential skills include data analysis, Microsoft Excel proficiency, and experience with tools like R or Python. This role is integral to engaging local and national audiences with impactful, data-driven stories.

Qualifications

• Strong experience working with numbers, including analysing complex datasets.
• Experience of data wrangling using programming languages such as R or Python.
• Experience with data visualization tools is essential.

Responsibilities

• Deliver compelling copy to deadline for use across various news outlets.
• Generate original stories from datasets, spotting trends.
• Use data and visualisation tools to create engaging journalism.

Skills

Strong news sense

Clean copy writing

Data analysis

Microsoft Excel

Data wrangling

Data visualization tools

Tools

R

Python

Flourish

Datawrapper

ggplot

Job description

Overview

Role overview

About us

Never before has the public shown such interest in data-driven journalism, and RADAR is at the forefront of engaging readers with the numbers they need to know.

We’ve established ourselves as a relied-upon service in local newsrooms across the UK, and we are now looking for a Senior Data Journalist who can deliver high-quality, impactful stories.

We are looking for an experienced writer who knows how to turn complex datasets into accessible journalism. You’ll cover some of the most pressing stories in the news cycle, as well as carry out longer-term investigations and special projects.

Our reporters are among the best in the business, often leading news coverage across local publications. Our work is at the cutting edge of AI-led journalism, and Future Today Institute’s 2023 Tech Trends report recognised RADAR as “one to watch”.

If you are a journalist with a strong grasp of data, an eye for detail, and the ability to tell powerful stories with numbers, we’d love to hear from you.

Inclusion

We’re working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment and, as well as your skills and experience, we’re also focused on who you are and what else you can bring.

We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please speak to our recruitment team who will be happy to help.

Key responsibilities

• Deliver clean, concise and compelling copy to deadline for use across news outlets and clients in the UK.
• Generate original stories from datasets, spotting trends and finding angles relevant to local and national audiences.
• Use data, code and visualisation tools to create engaging and accurate journalism.
• Carry out in-depth research and interviews to support your stories.
• Lead on longer-term investigations and special projects.
• Mentor and support colleagues by sharing expertise in data journalism and digital tools.
• Use AI and natural language generation software to help bring stories to life at scale.
• Contribute to maintaining high editorial standards across all outputs.

What you will need

To be able to deliver this role successfully you will need:

• A strong news sense and understanding of issues affecting diverse local news readerships.
• Clean copy writing, and the ability to deliver copy to deadlines.
• Strong experience working with numbers, including analysing complex datasets and identifying trends.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills
• Experience of data wrangling using programming languages such as R or Python
• Experience with data visualisation tools such as Flourish or Datawrapper, or packages such as ggplot

It would also be useful to have:

• Experience writing for local news outlets.
• Experience training or mentoring colleagues.
• Experience working with AI tools, particularly Natural Language Generation

We encourage you to apply, even if you feel you don’t meet every “nice to have”.