ProPublica Deputy Data Editor

We’re looking for a deputy data editor who can set and execute an ambitious vision for the use of data analysis in the ProPublica newsroom. The deputy editor will do this by guiding data journalists as they report groundbreaking investigations; proactively identifying promising uses of data, including developing pitches and data-driven projects; and guarding against errors. We take on ambitious data projects, including analyzing past Ebola outbreaks linked to deforestation in order to predict future ones, showing how wealthy executives make millions on exquisitely timed trades, and crunching data from millions of child protective services cases to understand who is most affected by the system. We want you to help us continue to innovate and elevate our use of data to do compelling, impactful journalism. 

You’ll report to the senior editor for data and news apps and work alongside a second deputy data editor to supervise the team. The two data deputies, along with the deputy news applications editor, will help set the course for ProPublica’s data journalism.

Interested in the deputy news applications editor role? We’re hiring for that as well.

As deputy data editor you will:

• Manage data journalists working across the newsroom on high-impact investigations.
• Proactively work to infuse a data mindset across the team and the broader staff by finding angles for data analysis and insights related to major issues of the day.
• Help edit our most complex data stories and play a leading role in editing our data methodologies, ensuring that both the language and the statistical work are accurate and everything is well explained.
• Work with data reporters to develop project ideas and pitches. 
• Help prioritize dozens of projects and stories so the team can be deployed strategically across the organization.
• Train staff members and partners on how to best use data analysis to elevate their stories.
• Implement effective workflows that ensure that projects are completed on schedule.
• Execute a vision to keep pushing ProPublica’s data journalism forward and help us set the standard for the industry.

Our ideal candidate will have:

• At least five years of experience leading or producing data-driven investigations and projects at a high level. Though experience editing and supervising staff are not required, they are a plus.
• Experience with investigative or accountability journalism.
• A mindset that enables them to identify which datasets are relevant and what questions to ask of them.
• Experience building an esprit de corps in a team, one that is grounded in motivating staff, helping them reach career goals and working together.
• A strong belief that transparency and open sourcing are important parts of responsible data science. 
• Strong knowledge of data analysis tools, including proficiency in using R or Python.
• Training in statistics and experience applying complex statistical concepts in a newsroom are pluses. This means choosing models that are suitable to answering statistical questions as well as being able to explain them to readers.
• Ability to travel occasionally for staff retreats and other required events.

We also know there are great candidates who can bring skills to ProPublica that we haven’t thought of, and who won’t fit everything we’ve described above. If this is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us what unique contributions you can offer.

This job is full time and includes benefits. ProPublica is based in New York, but the data team is distributed and we’re open to remote candidates for this role. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

The expected salary range for this position is $140,000 to $150,000

This is a good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishment and location. ProPublica is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.

We will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, but we will continue to consider candidates as long as the posting remains live on our site.

Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. 

No phone calls, please.