Journalist jobs in Chicago, IL

About Chicago Public Media

Chicago Public Media is home to WBEZ , Chicago’s NPR news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, as well as urban alternative music station, Vocalo . The organization serves the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers, and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama, and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life and Wait Wait...Don’t Tell Me! and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial.

Chicago Public Media has recently acquired the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the Chicago’s two major daily newspapers and among the most storied dailies in the nation.  With the Chicago Sun-Times and WBEZ, Chicago Public Media is now home to one of the largest teams of journalists of any local news organization in the nation. Under the banner of Chicago Public Media, WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times will reach more than 2 million people a week in the Chicago area across broadcast, print, and digital channels.   Backed by a significant philanthropic commitment, Chicago Public Media plans to substantially increase its investment in local journalism by hiring additional reporters, producers and newsroom personnel in the months and years ahead. 

The Opportunity

Chicago Public Media is seeking a Data Journalist/Interactives Developer to join CPM's growing data journalism team. The Data Journalist/Interactives Developer will work on a team with news editors, reporters, and developers to visualize data and stories for WBEZ and the Chicago Sun-Times. The ideal candidate is a skilled web developer with journalistic instincts who can work with data and produce visually compelling stories.

Duties & Responsibilities:

·       Develop news applications, data visualizations and other interactives that support CPM's news operations.

·       Pitch and produce original data visualizations and other interactives aligned with CPM's editorial strategy and goals.

·       Use visual, interactive, and other innovative formats to help readers better understand the news, including developing templates and  repeatable formats.

·       Build interactive web applications that allow users to search and explore data sets.

·       Explore and analyze data for relevance and story potential.

·       Think about story angles in ways that are surprising, entertaining, and thoughtful. 

·       Identify and suggest best practices for producing multimedia/data-driven journalism.

  Other Duties Include:

·       Work with the product team to develop best practices for news application infrastructure.

·       Create tools and dashboards to make data and analyses more accessible to the newsroom. 

·       Collaborate with newsroom colleagues to facilitate other use of data visualization and graphics in storytelling (without needing to be the only person making charts!)

·       As part of the WBEZ newsroom, participate in cross-departmental product development work groups and brainstorming sessions, including collaborations with the Chicago Sun-Times. 

Minimum Skills & Qualifications:

·       Proficient to expert knowledge of JavaScript, HTML and CSS

·       Understanding of mapping and software to develop maps for the web.

·       Comfortable setting up AWS or similar web services.

·       Ability to produce high quality work in a collaborative environment.

·       CMS and digital media production proficiency

·       Well-organized with a passion for data-driven, multimedia storytelling

·       Ability to stay focused with multiple quick turn deadlines.

Preferred Skills & Qualifications: 

·       Python, SQL, spreadsheets, and GitHub, in collaboration with other journalists 

·       Familiarity with WBEZ content

·       Knowledge of Chicago and the surrounding region

Working at Chicago Public Media

At Chicago Public Media, we care deeply about our employees as we know attracting, developing, and growing talent is key to our success and enhancing our impact.  Our culture is one where collaboration, ideas, and innovation are encouraged.  We value colleagues who will enhance our culture by bringing new ideas, diverse experiences, and talents to our dynamic workplace.

Chicago Public Media’s dedication to promoting diversity and inclusion is reflective across our brands, WBEZ 91.5 FM and Vocalo 91.1 FM, in our staff and in our work.  We are fully focused on equality of opportunity and believe deeply in diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, experience, and all other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

At Chicago Public Media we believe dedication to a great workplace includes supporting our employees and their families. As a result, we provide a broad and generous benefits package for you at hire and in the years to come. Our benefits include:

•  6 weeks fully paid family leave
•  High quality Medical, Dental, and Vision plans at an affordable cost
•  A 403(b)retirement plan with a company match
• Generous paid time off, including starting with 3 weeks’ vacation and 4 personal days.

This position is represented by SAG-AFTRA.

The essential functions described above are not all-inclusive and may change periodically to meet the needs of Chicago Public Media (CPM). The information contained in this job description is not intended to create any contractual or other legal commitment. Chicago Public Media may change the content or format of this job at any time in its sole and exclusive discretion without notice.

Chicago Public Media is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we actively seek and welcome people from all backgrounds, orientations, and life experiences to join our team.