Investigative Researcher & Scriptwriter for True Crime Docs

Night; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Night is seeking an experienced investigative researcher and writer to identify compelling criminal cases and develop thoroughly researched stories into engaging scripts. You will obtain police, court, and government records through FOIA and public-records processes, build timelines, and prepare research packs for script-ready projects.

You will manage the research lifecycle from initial pitch to finished script, communicating with agencies, handling sensitive materials, and incorporating

Qualifications

• Professional experience in investigative journalism or documentary research.
• Experience with public-records research and legal research.
• Practical FOIA or public-records request experience.
• Strong knowledge of US federal and state records systems.
• Ability to research court dockets and government documents.
• Excellent fact-checking and source-management skills.
• Strong writing for long-form narration.
• Good editorial judgment handling sensitive material.
• Ability to work independently with clear progress updates.

Responsibilities

• Identify under-reported criminal cases with storytelling potential.
• Assess evidence, documentation, and usable visual material.
• Identify agencies and records custodians for cases.
• Draft, submit, and track FOIA/public-records requests.
• Request police reports, 911 calls, transcripts, and related records.
• Communicate with agencies to clarify requests and manage fees.
• Review exemptions/redactions and appeals when needed.
• Research court records and official statements.
• Build timelines and verify names, dates, and claims.
• Produce organized research packs with sources and media.
• Write accurate, engaging long-form scripts for narration.
• Incorporate feedback and meet deadlines.
• Flag legal, ethical, copyright, or factual concerns.

Skills

Fact-checking

Source-management

Organizational skills

Writing ability

Editorial judgment

Independent work

Communication

Job description

Night is seeking an experienced investigative researcher and writer to identify compelling criminal cases and develop thoroughly researched stories into engaging scripts. You will obtain police, court, and government records through FOIA and public-records processes, build timelines, and prepare research packs for script-ready projects.

You will manage the research lifecycle from initial pitch to finished script, communicating with agencies, handling sensitive materials, and incorporating