Data Reporter

Job Description

Data Reporter, Hearst Connecticut Media Group

We're expanding our data team at Hearst Connecticut Media Group. Key new roles focus on real estate, demographics, compensation and education.

If you love local news, inspiring conversation and challenging assumptions, this could be the role for you. Bonus if you can't rest until you've validated your data.

HCMG is the state's largest newsroom, with more than 130 journalists covering breaking news, high school and UConn sports, politics and government, business, real estate and development, education, food and trending topics. We collaborate with Hearst's DevHub on innovative data journalism.

We have an immediate opening for an ambitious, versatile journalist who thrives on finding stories in data.

We're seeking a self-starter with high standards who can collaborate well, has excellent communication skills, is comfortable providing and taking feedback. We want a teammate who aspires to be a key player in an exciting, modern news operation that values a smart, local readership and aims to elevate how we report and present journalism online.

Key responsibilities:

• Report and write - both alone and with other reporters.
• Collect, clean, analyze and visualize datasets to surface meaningful trends and insights.
• Publish a mix of quick-turn and enterprise reporting.
• Conceive ideas and work with reporters, photographers, editors and developers to enhance our storytelling.
• Identify and pursue stories that have a potential for real-world impact.
• Use analytics to understand audience needs and trends, especially for subscribers.

What it will take to be successful:

• Experience in a modern newsroom or a related work environment.
• Strong news judgment and deep curiosity.
• Ability to report stories and write and build quickly while keeping the strictest commitment to fairness and accuracy.
• Proven skill with Python, R, or similar scripting languages, and comfort with data visualization and mapping tools.
• Understanding of statistical principles and a commitment to accuracy and transparency in analysis.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Knowledge of AI and/or machine learning for data storytelling.
• Willingness and drive to learn new technical and newsroom skills.
• Plus: Knowledge of or experience reporting on compensation, real estate, and/or education.
• Plus: Ability to speak a second language like Spanish.

What will elevate you as a candidate:

• Ability to build scalable data pipelines to efficiently process millions of records.
• Experience developing robust backend infrastructure and APIs that integrate seamlessly with existing frontend frameworks.

Requirements:

• This position is full-time.
• It could include some weekend and holiday work.
• The successful candidate must be based in Connecticut or nearby New York or willing to move to the region.

To Apply:

Send a cover letter, resume and clips for review.

This full-time job with benefits is based in Connecticut and is not eligible for remote candidates.

About us:

Hearst Connecticut Media Group (HCMG) is a collection of the state's most important news properties, providing local, watchdog and investigative reporting that impacts communities across Connecticut.

HCMG includes close to 170 journalists working at 10 daily newspapers - Connecticut Post, Greenwich Time, Journal Inquirer, The Middletown Press, The New Haven Register, The News-Times, The Norwalk Hour, Record-Journal, Republican-American and Stamford Advocate - 13 weekly newspapers, Connecticut Magazine and multiple websites.

HCMG expanded further in 2021 with the launch of Connecticut's No. 1 statewide news source, CTInsider.com, covering everything from sports and politics to breaking news stories and compelling features about Connecticut residents and businesses.

Our Benefits:

At Hearst Newspapers, we not only support our employees through personal and professional development, but we also believe in promoting each individual's physical, financial and emotional wellbeing (and that of their family). Our industry-leading benefits include:

• Physical Wellbeing: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy.
• Invest for the Future: Competitive retirement plan with matching program in most markets.
• Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation.
• Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents.
• Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones.
• Emotional Wellbeing: Be your best self with our mental wellness benefits.
• LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual's unique needs.
• Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey.
• Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too - helping you keep them happy and healthy.
• And more, click here for additional benefits and details.