Data Journalist

Continuing its tradition of investigative reporting, The Charlotte Observer is hiring a data journalist for McClatchy’s North Carolina investigations team.

The Charlotte-based position requires reporting, data analysis, acquiring public records, collaborating with other journalists and publishing both quicker turn and longer-to-develop stories.

Specifically, we are looking for a team player with a growth mindset and:

• The ability to lead reporting, interviewing and writing for stories, as well as to contribute data analysis to stories led by others.
• A good eye for accountability reporting relevant to local audiences
• Strong storytelling skills, with words and graphics
• Command of R or Python to analyze data
• Experience with a GIS tool, such as QGIS, and with data visualization tools such as Datawrapper or Flourish
• Some coding skills and a readiness to expand them
• Readiness to deploy emerging tools, including generative AI and machine learning
• A never-take-no-for-an-answer approach to obtaining public records
• Eagerness to collaborate with all newsroom reporters, editors, photo journalists and graphic storytellers
• A tested approach for ensuring accuracy to all reporting

At The Charlotte Observer, we pride ourselves on being the preeminent news leader in a highly competitive market. Our distinguished, award-winning content separates us from our peers with impactful, accountability-driven journalism that serves our community.

More than 150 people move to the Charlotte region daily. This makes it even more urgent for our journalists to focus on watchdog reporting in our local communities and in that role, spotlight problems, highlight solutions and truly make a difference.

McClatchy’s NC I-team includes journalists based at The Charlotte Observer and the News & Observer in Raleigh. They frequently collaborate on high-impact and revelatory reporting with local and statewide sweep. Examples of I-team accountability projects include: Hopes Foreclosed, Security for Sale, Private Eyes, Police Payouts, Death on the Job, Power + Secrecy, Burdened After Death and Big Poultry.

Minimum Requirements 

• The successful candidate should meet many, though not necessarily all, of the following requirements:
• College degree or equivalent work experience
• Minimum of 3 years of professional journalism experience.
• Must have reliable transportation. Must have valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance required (at least minimum insurance required for the state in which the employee works).

What we'll bring

The Charlotte region is among the fastest growing metropolitan areas in the nation.

The area is home to multiple Fortune 500 companies, including corporate headquarters for several of the nation’s largest banks. Charlotte Douglas International Airport is among the largest in the country. Charlotte has the largest philanthropic community in the state and four major professional sports organizations.

Our newsroom is located in a vibrant area with a rich cultural heritage, growing arts scene, and an array of unique restaurants and recreational opportunities for young professionals. Whether you’re exploring the nearby hiking trails, mountains and beaches or enjoying our thriving community events, you’ll find this region offers a high quality of life and a front-row seat to compelling stories.