Data & Investigations Reporter

Data can be used to provide insights into the world around us and how it affects us. Mustang News is looking for reporters who would be a part of The Hill, the newspaper’s data and investigations team. We’re seeking applicants who like to ask questions about why and how the systems around us operate and dive into the outcomes of those systems. More often than not, there’s data to help us understand that. Topics may include environmental reports, diversity data and university spending. This role entails telling character-driven enterprise stories that are data-driven or investigative in nature — sometimes both. You would be tasked with also filing public records requests and obtaining documents that help tell stories. 

Published stories and data analysis would be included on our integrated platforms, including web, print and social. You don’t have to be an expert — we’re looking for people who want to learn and develop their data and investigative reporting skills. If selected, you will likely work alongside a data analyst to take stories to the finish line.  

We are looking for reporters who can do the following:

  • Develop relationships with different data holders on campus, including the University Police Department and campus leaders
  • Pitch and report on stories based on data that affect both Cal Poly and the campus community across Mustang Media Group platforms
  • Submit public records requests to the university or local government agencies to obtain data

This role is meant to foster growth. You can expect to build on the following if selected:

  • Review datasets to find trends, patterns and outliers
  • Maintain and grow The Hill’s database of information
  • Use industry standard software, including Adobe Illustrator, AfterEffects and Photoshop along with multimedia web apps
  • Create charts and graphs to visualize data and accompany written stories
  • Produce content according to Associated Press/Mustang News style
  • Collaborate with editors and other multimedia journalists on comprehensive coverage
  • Work alongside social media editors to develop social media-native content and promote your stories via social platforms
  • Attend weekly Sunday editorial staff meetings either in-person or via Zoom

Time commitment: 10 hours (at most).If you have any questions about this position, please contact Omar Rashad, the 2021-22 Data and Investigations Editor, at orashad@calpoly.edu.

Compensation: TBD