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Reporter - Investigative Reporting Program (IRP) - Graduate School of Journalism

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Position description

Specialist - 50% appointment
(Job Code 3300)

Investigative Reporting Program Graduate School of Journalism 2481 Hearst Avenue
University of California, Berkeley Berkeley, CA 94709

Posting Title: Reporter - Investigative Reporting Program (IRP) - Graduate School of Journalism

DEPARTMENTAL OVERVIEW:
To help develop a new generation of investigative reporters in an era of cutbacks at major news organizations, the Investigative Reporting Program (IRP) at the Graduate School of Journalism is hiring an investigative reporter. This person should have experience covering child welfare and juvenile justice issues. This is a two-year 50% academic appointment expected to begin on February 1, 2019.

Reporter’s research findings will be published or broadcast for general circulation both nationally and internationally. No housing or relocation supplements are provided. Reporter is expected to use the Berkeley offices as his/her base of operations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Reporter will, under general supervision, be responsible for the following:

• Develop investigative reporting and stories for news and media outlets
Develop and interview sources
Conduct Freedom of Information Act and Public Records Act requests
Build relationships with lawyers, private investigators and others who support
an investigation
Conduct fact checking
Write and/or produce stories for publication
• Lead investigative teams in research and developing stories
• Mentor students and lower-level specialists
• Assist with pitches to news and media outlets for other IRP projects
• Contribute to planning and execution for major IRP events, including the
annual symposium.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS: (at time of application)
The minimum basic qualification required is a master’s degree or equivalent international degree plus at least ten years of professional experience in journalism OR a bachelor’s degree or equivalent international degree plus at least twelve years of professional experience in journalism.

ADDITIONAL QUALIFICATIONS: (by start date)
Candidates should have written or produced at least 10 stories covering child welfare and juvenile justice issues--including findings that required work with data sets--and have had these stories published or broadcast in a major media outlet with a readership or audience of at least 100,000 people.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Candidates should demonstrate a strong track record reporting on complex subjects in the public interest. Candidates should be able to demonstrate ability to navigate California’s Welfare and Institutions Code to obtain information and report within the constraints of the law. Candidates should have a proven record representing the subject area in public appearances and with other media. Additionally, candidates should have strong organizational and collaborative skills as well as a proven record of working productively and independently in a newsroom.

Preference will be given to candidates with demonstrated ability to successfully pitch film projects to a major documentary distributor or potential production partners, as well as the ability to speak conversational Spanish and familiarity with international reporting, including working with local staff and safely covering conflict zones.

Applicants will be chosen based on their qualifications as well as their potential and dedication to this specialized area of reporting.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:
All applications must include:

• Current resume or curriculum vitae
• Cover letter outlining your journalism experience and investigative stories that you’ve covered.
• Electronic copies of three work samples, i.e. links to video or radio samples and PDFs (not links) of print/web stories

Apply at the following location: https://aprecruit.berkeley.edu/apply/JPF02011 for information about the position or application process, please contact Chris Bush at cbush@berkeley.edu. Recruitment is open until filled.

REFERENCES:
Three references are required. Applicants will be responsible for entering their references’ contact information through the online application system. Letters of reference will only be solicited for finalists.

All letters will be treated as confidential per University of California policy and California state law. Please refer potential referees, including when letters are provided via a third party (i.e., dossier service or career center), to the UC Berkeley statement of confidentiality (http://apo.berkeley.edu/evalltr.html) prior to submitting their letters.

SALARY & BENEFITS:
The payroll title for this position is Specialist. This appointment is eligible for full UC benefits. For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University visit: http://ucnet.universityofcalifornia.edu/forms/pdf/benefits-of-belonging.pdf

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT:
The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the complete University of California nondiscrimination and affirmative action policy see: http://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4000376/NondiscrimAffirmAct.

Application Requirements

Document requirements
  • Resume or Curriculum Vitae - Your most recently updated Resume or Curriculum Vitae.

  • Cover Letter - Cover letter outlining your journalism experience and investigative stories that you've covered

  • Electronic copies of three work samples - 1 of 3 - Electronic copies of work samples - 1 of 3
    i.e. links to video or radio samples and PDF's (not links) of print/web stories

  • Electronic copies of three work samples - 2 of 3 - Electronic copies of work samples - 2 of 3
    i.e. links to video or radio samples and PDF's (not links) of print/web stories

  • Electronic copies of three work samples - 3 of 3 - Electronic copies of work samples - 3 of 3
    i.e. links to video or radio samples and PDF's (not links) of print/web stories

Reference requirements
  • 3 required (contact information only)

Job location

Berkeley, CA