Data Reporter

KFF is the leading health policy organization in the U.S. As a one-of-a-kind information organization, we bring together substantial capabilities in policy research, polling, and journalism in one organization to meet the need for a trusted, independent source of information on national health issues—one with the scope and reach to be a counterweight to health care’s vested interests and a voice for people. We have five major program areas: policy analysis, polling, journalism, public health information campaigns, and health information and trust.

KFF is not a foundation and has no connection to Kaiser Permanente. Legally, we are a public charity (an endowed national nonprofit organization). We are headquartered in San Francisco with a building in Washington, DC, conference centers in both offices, and staff members in almost every state.

The Team
KFF Health News is a national newsroom that produces original journalism about health issues and is one of the core operating programs at KFF. The news service is dedicated to in-depth reporting on complex health policy issues, and health system changes, with a focus on people.

Your Role
KFF is seeking a Data Reporter to join our small but mighty data team. Our award-winning newsroom has used data to expose dangerous medical devices, explore the financial and emotional toll of caring for aging family members, track the flow of opioid settlement dollars to people and communities harmed by the opioid epidemic, and much more. We’re looking to expand our ability to produce this kind of impactful work including examining the impact of current and proposed federal health staffing, budget, and policy changes. We are also seeking someone who can deploy new technologies to support our distribution efforts helping local partners publish versions of our national stories with data more relevant to their communities.

You will report, write, and contribute to data-driven stories, both on your own and working with colleagues across the newsroom and country. You can find, clean, analyze, and visualize complex datasets and distill the key findings. Successful candidates will have a knack for seeing the potential (and pitfalls) of data to anchor or elevate a mix of compelling stories. You have excellent news judgment and know that your work is ultimately about human beings and their stories, not a litany of statistics.

You’ll be part of an ambitious newsroom of 70 collegial journalists. We have reporters and editors spread across the United States who will share ideas and collaborate with you. Your work will reach statewide and national audiences.

The Data Reporter reports to the Data Editor, who’s based in Washington, DC. This is a highly collaborative role, so we want someone who thrives on working with others.

What You’ll Do
-Report, write, and contribute to data-driven stories, both on your own and working with colleagues across the newsroom as well as outside partners
-Find, clean, analyze, and visualize complex datasets and distill the key findings
-Work on a mix of shorter-term stories and longer-term projects
-Think critically about which datasets and documents can inform our reporting – and determine their limitations or caveats
-Bulletproof and check data-driven work performed by fellow journalists

Minimum Desired Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
-Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
-3+ years’ experience with data-driven journalism. This could also include the smart use of data as a beat reporter
-You can clean and analyze large, complex datasets with R, Python, or similar tools
-You know how to obtain data, whether it’s by filing public records requests, chatting up sources, downloading or scraping data from the web, or building your own database
-You can think critically about which datasets should inform our reporting - and you’re aware of their limitations or caveats
-Experience with spatial analysis and GIS software such as QGIS or ArcGIS
-You can visualize data with tools like Datawrapper or Flourish
-You have a solid understanding of statistics
-Ability to juggle multiple assignments and meet deadlines
-Ability to find the people and stories behind the numbers
-Bonus points for experience with machine learning
-Authorization to work in the United States

The preceding position description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

This full-time position will be based in KFF’s Washington, DC office, located downtown near Metro Center (preferred). KFF is currently working a hybrid schedule and requires all staff to work in the office a minimum of two days a week.

Compensation
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and qualifications. Compensation includes an outstanding benefits package equivalent in value to approximately fifty percent of base salary including a generous and immediately vested defined contribution plan and zero-premium health coverage.

The annual salary range for the Data Reporter position is between $75,000 and $90,000. Our job titles and salary ranges may span more than one career level, and the salary offered to a candidate will be determined based on factors such as the scope and responsibilities of the position, job-related knowledge and skill set, depth of experience, certifications and/or degrees, and our practice of upholding salary equity within the organization.

Inclusion Statement
KFF is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.