Data Reporter (Data Journalist)

Data Reporter, Austin American-Statesman

 

Job Description

The Austin American-Statesman is hiring a Data Reporter who thrives on finding and telling stories with data in a fast-paced, audience-centered newsroom. In this role, you will be joining the Hearst Texas Data Team, a collaborative group of journalist-programmers who partner with peers at the Austin American-Statesman, San Antonio Express-News, Houston Chronicle and Hearst DevHub to produce impactful, data-focused reporting. You will have the opportunity to pursue a mix of quick-turnaround stories on a variety of topics, and you will receive training and mentorship working with award-winning data and beat reporters. 

Success means delivering stories that hold institutions accountable, providing context in breaking news moments and helping Texans understand the forces shaping their communities. 

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce data- and graphics-focused journalism that’s centered on topics including public employee compensation, real estate and demographics, in collaboration with other members of the Texas Hearst Data Team and Austin American-Statesman. 
• Approach datasets with a healthy dose of skepticism and find trends and stories in the numbers.
• Write and document reproducible, bulletproof code for data analysis. 
• Write audience-focused stories and build data visualizations.
• Support and further data literacy in the newsroom by leading data trainings

 

Qualifications:

• Experience working collaboratively in a deadline-driven newsroom environment. 
• Ability to self-manage and handle multiple projects at the same time.
• Command of Excel and Google Sheets. 
• Experience analyzing data in Python, R, SQL or a similar programming language. 
• Comfort with data visualization tools such as Datawrapper or Adobe Illustrator/ai2html.
• Working knowledge of Git and Github.
• Desire and ability to learn on the job.
• Any experience with the following tools/systems is a plus: 
  • Mapping tools such as ArcGIS or QGIS. 
  • APIs and web-scraping tools.
  • Federal and Texas open-records. 

 

Additional Requirements and Information 

This role is a hybrid position based in the Austin American-Statesman newsroom.

To be considered you must submit all required documents in PDF format: 

• Résumé.
• Cover letter that explains why you would be a good fit.
• One page that includes three work/character references including titles, email addresses and phone numbers, and links to at least three digital work samples.

 

About the Austin American-Statesman:

The Austin American-Statesman has been the leading source of news and information for Central Texas since 1871, serving a dynamic and fast-growing region anchored by the capital city of Texas. Austin is known for its vibrant tech industry, rich cultural heritage, influential government institutions and creative spirit.

The Statesman's award-winning journalists provide in-depth coverage of the issues that matter most to Austinites — from local government and business to education, the environment and Austin’s ever-evolving music and cultural scenes. With a strong focus on accountability journalism and investigative reporting, the Statesman plays a critical role in informing and engaging its community.

 

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP represents a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the Austin American-Statesman, San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate.

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired. 

 Be a part of something bigger – Your Headline Awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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