New York Reporter, Healthbeat

Healthbeat, a new nonprofit news platform from Civic News Company and KFF, is seeking an experienced public health reporter as we launch newsrooms this summer in New York City and Atlanta.

As the NYC Reporter, you will dive deep into the community’s public health needs to produce clear, evidence-based reports that center trusted local experts. You will help people understand how public health works and generate reporting that holds officials and systems accountable for making it better. Healthbeat aims to fill the gap in coverage left by diminishing mainstream media and give a voice to underserved communities. Your journalism will inform the debate around public health.

The reporter will report to Healthbeat’s Editor in Chief and will work in close collaboration with our editorial partners at KFF Health News, who will provide national coverage.

The key responsibilities for this role include:

• Propose and develop compelling story ideas in collaboration with editors.

• Report and write in a range of modes, from breaking news quick hits to in-depth enterprise stories, social media posts and SMS pieces.

• Utilize various reporting methods, including interviews, in-person reporting, public records requests, document analysis, archival research, and data analysis.

• Ensure the highest levels of accuracy, balance, and clarity in reporting and writing.

• Collaborate with editors to revise and iterate on stories based on feedback.

• Collaborate with other team members on various publishing steps, including photo assignments, data visualization, article production, and newsletter creation.

• Communicate effectively and build relationships with readers and key players in the public health community.

What background and skills do you have? (We know not all strong candidates will have all the skills we list. That’s OK. What else do you bring to the table? Please tell us!):

• At least five years experience covering health, science, government and public policy

• Knowledge of New York City’s public health infrastructure and political culture, as well as sourcing among epidemiologists and community groups working on public health

• Experience with cultivating trusted sources and generating story ideas

• Comfort or experience working with data, research, and reports, especially around tracking government spending

• Experience reporting stories through public records requests and familiarity with New York open records law

• Demonstrated ability to write clearly and with authority about complex scientific issues

• Ability to write clear, well-structured, compellingly framed stories on daily turnaround and long-term timelines

• Competence with digital newsroom tools such as Slack, Google Docs, Google Drive, and internet publishing platforms

• Team-oriented mindset with a generous spirit toward collaboration with your colleagues

• Interest in reader engagement, including finding creative ways to connect with a diverse set of readers

Bonus points if you’ve got:

• Proven track record of achieving and documenting journalistic impact through beat reporting

• In-depth knowledge of New York City public health, showcasing informed reporting on issues including epidemiology, readiness for health emergencies and how public policy affects frontline workers

• Experience reporting on issues including food, water and air safety, as well as climate impacts and others that connect to global public health

• Experience covering science news

• Experience covering R&D and tech developments in health and science

• Ability to report fluently in Spanish

• Video and audio skills

This full-time role is based in the Metro New York City area, with a focus on remote collaboration and communication with the rest of the Healthbeat team.

The salary range is $70,000 to $80,000 commensurate with experience, with a generous benefits package, including:

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance

• 20 days of PTO and a paid one-week recess

• 401(k) matching program

• Paid parental leave

This is a role covered by the CBA with the Writers Guild of America, East.

About Civic News Company

At Civic News Company, our mission is helping people understand how America works so they can make it work better. Committed to equal employment opportunities, Civic News Company welcomes applicants and employees from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to races, colors, national origins, ancestries, creeds, religions, genders, ages, disabilities, veteran status, sexual orientations, and marital statuses. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply and contribute to our shared vision.

Civic News Company participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, Civic News Company is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before Civic News Company can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Civic News Company can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.