Reporter Fellow, Local Investigations

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. About the Role, Mission or Department Overview The Times is looking for reporters with a local story idea who want to investigate it under the editing guidance of Dean Baquet, The Times’s former executive editor, and a group of veteran investigative editors. The goal of the Local Investigative Fellowship is to provide fellows the opportunity to learn the ways and means of investigative reporting from some of the best in the business. Our fellows will be based in the communities where they are reporting and make periodic trips to The Times’s offices for training and support. This one year program is for reporters who have a local investigative story idea rooted in Louisiana or Mississippi. This is a NY Guild role based in Louisiana or Mississippi. Responsibilities: Spend a year producing signature investigative work focused on your state or region that will be published by The Times. Under the guidance of Mr. Baquet and a handpicked group of veteran editors, you will receive the rare opportunity to learn the judgment, skills and techniques needed to excel at investigative journalism from the best in the business. Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world. Basic Qualifications: 3 to 5 years of of professional experience as a reporter covering a beat You are an independent journalist Preferred Qualifications: Experience covering a beat and an idea for an investigative story that you have not had the time, resources or editing support to pursue A deep understanding of the issues facing the region, from experience living or working in the Deep South Experience bringing new perspectives to investigative journalism Learn more about the program here . To apply, upload a résumé, Cover Letter (as described below) and five clips. Applications that fail to include any of these materials or follow these instructions will not be considered. Your Cover Letter must include at least one story idea or pitch local to Louisiana or Mississippi, but you may include multiple if you'd like. Please limit each story idea or pitch to 500 words. We are not looking for polished story ideas or pitches. Instead, your answers to these questions will help us assess where you are in the reporting process and what editorial support and resources the local investigative fellowship could offer you. 1. What is your investigative story idea or area of focus? How would your story expose something new, something no one else has already revealed? 2. Describe who has been harmed and in what way. Is the harm enough to spark outrage? 3. Will your story hold someone accountable? Who and how? 4. What critical records, data and human sources will be required to tell your story? Describe how you have, or could, obtain these critical sources. 5. What do you need help with to report this story, and what are the barriers? 6. Why is this story important to you? Candidates should submit five published clips that show excellence — in evocative writing, through high-impact news stories and by highlighting the voices of local communities. Your clips should be uploaded to the additional materials application question below. Please ensure to include the full text of your clips, not just the links. What makes a good local investigation? Starts with high stakes How does the story affect people’s lives and livel ... (truncated, view full listing at source)