Senior Investigative Reporter

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in California.

📋 Description

• Carry out thorough and intricate investigations into abuse and neglect cases involving individuals with disabilities.

• Interview witnesses, victims, and other pertinent individuals regarding claims of abuse and neglect concerning persons with disabilities, while documenting their responses.

• Perform inspections of facilities and congregate living homes related to allegations of abuse and neglect involving individuals with disabilities.

• Request, review, and analyze records and various forms of evidence.

• Compile reports and memoranda that outline the investigation, findings, and suggestions for further advocacy or investigative actions.

• Collaborate with other agencies and organizations to tackle recurring issues related to abuse and neglect.

• Manage in-field investigations.

• Aid in the development and execution of systems reform initiatives.

• Create engaging narrative writings that are substantiated by factual findings.

• Collaborate closely with investigators, attorneys, and communications staff throughout the investigation and drafting phases to draft narratives and reports.

• Write narratives that humanize individuals and communities impacted by abuse or neglect perpetrated by systems, entities, or individuals.

• Assume the role of DRC beat writer to report on pertinent disability issues.

• Spearhead efforts to integrate journalistic values, integrity, and compelling stories that can inspire and mobilize communities, systems, lawmakers, and administrators into action.

• Produce writings on complex issues that are accessible to the public.

• Verify source materials for accuracy.

• Draft clear and concise detailed written documents, including internal memoranda and public reports.

• Assist in unit development and planning.

• Participate in one impact team.

• Act as a subject-matter expert on investigative storytelling, narrative ethics, and trauma-informed reporting practices.

• Offer informal mentorship, feedback, and guidance to investigators or staff involved in creating written narratives or reports.

• Promote skill-building within the Investigations Unit related to writing, interviewing, and story development.

• Work with other agencies and organizations to address ongoing issues related to abuse and neglect.

• Engage in community-based advocacy, outreach, and training for disability communities and organizations, especially those serving underserved populations.

⛳️ Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree (BA/BS) in a relevant field, or 3 years of pertinent experience such as internships or roles in newsrooms or investigative agencies can be considered in lieu of a degree.

• A minimum of 4 years of experience writing for recognized news or media outlets or magazines.

• Excellent writing and storytelling abilities (both long and short form), with a strong command of grammar, editing, and adherence to a style guide (such as AP style).

• Significant experience and a preference for creating human-interest stories centered around the perspectives of subjects.

• Proven experience in crafting compelling narratives that enhance reader engagement and public understanding of complex topics.

• Demonstrated capability to work independently and meet deadlines.

• Experience in conducting complex fact investigations and background research.

• Experience interviewing individuals with disabilities.

• Proven ability to gather and synthesize relevant information from various sources, including documents and interviews.

• Experience that showcases attention to detail and an understanding of confidentiality regarding client/source information.

• Proven ability to mentor others and work effectively as part of a team.

🏝️ Benefits

• 8% Match – 401K

• Health benefits (HMO options)

• Additional Benefits: dental, vision, basic life insurance, short-term and long-term disability insurance, and flexible spending accounts (medical, dependent care, and commuter)

• Health Reimbursement Accounts for select HMO Plans

• Pet Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

• Teladoc

• Ample vacation, sick/self-care time, and holidays (including the last week of December)

• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) - eligible employer