Data Journalism Editor, IRW

American University; United States; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive benefits package

Job summary

American University is looking for an experienced Data Journalism Editor to lead data and AI journalism efforts, mentor staff, and translate complex data into impactful stories. The role involves collaboration across multiple newsroom projects and supervising student reporters.

Salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000 annually for this full-time position, with an optional hybrid schedule.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years of relevant experience in data journalism, statistical analysis, and reporting from data.
• Proficiency in statistics and statistical analysis tools.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute plans for acquiring, cleaning, analyzing, and presenting data for stories.
• Review documents and assess student and fellow work from public records.
• Design workshops and participate in national conferences.
• Supervise one to three part-time student reporters.

Skills

Data analysis

Collaborative leadership

Statistical analysis

Editing

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism or related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

RSQL

Excel

Python

Postgres

Job description

Summary

The Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW) at American University’s School of Communication seeks an experienced data journalist to lead data and AI journalism efforts, mentor staff, and translate complex data into impactful investigative stories. The Data Journalism Editor supports daily and long‑term data assignments across multiple newsroom projects, collaborating with editors, interns, and graduate fellows.

Salary Range: $70,000.00 – $80,000.00 annually. Travel Required: Occasional travel may be required. This is a full‑time, 35‑hour per week in‑person position with optional hybrid schedule.

Essential Functions

1. Data Analysis and Reporting – Develop and execute plans for acquiring, cleaning, analyzing, and presenting data for potential stories. Pitch and develop story ideas for future projects.
2. Editing – Review thousands of documents, assess student and fellow work from public‑records requests, court records, and online sources. Draft or assign methodologies for stories intended for publication.
3. Training and Presentations – Design on‑site workshops and events, participate in national conference panels (IRE, NICAR), and speak to graduate boot‑camp and Dow Jones training participants.
4. Other Duties as Assigned – Maintain contact with smaller nonprofit newsrooms collaborating on data‑heavy projects and perform additional assignments as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility

Supervises one to three part‑time student reporters and graduate fellows.

Competencies

• Acquiring and analyzing information
• Prioritizing and organizing
• Collaborative leadership
• Supporting coworkers

Required Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent and 3–5 years of relevant experience in data journalism, statistical analysis, and reporting from data.

Preferred Education and Experience

Master’s degree or equivalent.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications

Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume. Proficiency in the following areas is preferred and would be an asset:

1. Statistics and statistical analysis tools, including RSQL, Excel, and Python.
2. FOIA, PACER, and other public‑records resources.
3. Server management.
4. Database management, especially Postgres.
5. Web development, particularly news applications and data visualization tools.

Benefits

American University offers a competitive benefits package.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

American University is an equal‑opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.