ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Data Visualization Journalist Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

American

Data Journalism Editor, IRW

Campus, IL · On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

We want a journalist who cares about finding stories among those communities that are often ... and data visualization tools. Other Duties: * Pleasenote thatthis is not designed to cover ...

Morningstar, Inc.

Software Engineer

Chicago, IL · On-site

$89K - $131K/yr

You will work closely with data journalists, editors, product managers, and other engineers to ... Experience with data visualization tools such as Datawrapper, preferred. We're not considering ...

American

IRW Graphic Designer (Student)

Campus, IL · On-site

$22.50/hr

Candidates should be design-focused with an understanding of design for journalism, including data visualization and web design through WordPress, as well as design for communications. IRW is a ...

All JobsData Visualization Journalist JobsData Visualization Journalist Jobs in Illinois

Data Visualization Journalist information

What are some common challenges data visualization journalists face when translating complex datasets for a general audience?

Data Visualization Journalists often encounter the challenge of simplifying intricate or large datasets without losing essential context or accuracy. Striking a balance between clarity and depth requires careful selection of visual formats and storytelling techniques. Additionally, they must ensure that visualizations are accessible to diverse audiences, which often involves collaborating closely with editors, designers, and subject matter experts to refine both the data and narrative. Staying updated with new visualization tools and maintaining ethical standards in data representation are also ongoing aspects of the role.

What is the difference between Data Visualization Journalist vs Data Journalist?

AspectData Visualization JournalistData Journalist
Required SkillsData analysis, visualization tools, storytellingData analysis, reporting, storytelling
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, news organizations, online platformsNewsrooms, research institutions, media outlets
Common CertificationsData visualization, journalism, data analysisJournalism, data analysis, reporting

While both roles involve working with data and storytelling, Data Visualization Journalists focus more on creating visual representations of data to enhance storytelling, whereas Data Journalists primarily analyze and report on data findings. The roles often overlap but differ in emphasis on visualization skills versus data analysis and reporting.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a data visualization journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Data Visualization Journalist, you need strong data analysis skills, journalistic storytelling ability, and proficiency in visual communication, often supported by a degree in journalism, data science, or a related field. Familiarity with tools like Tableau, Adobe Illustrator, D3.js, and data scraping or analytics platforms is essential. Creativity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex information clearly are key soft skills that set top candidates apart. These skills ensure that data-driven stories are accurate, engaging, and accessible to broad audiences, which is vital for impactful journalism.

What is a data visualization journalist?

A Data Visualization Journalist is a professional who combines data analysis, storytelling, and graphic design to create compelling visual representations of information for news organizations or media outlets. They use charts, maps, infographics, and interactive graphics to help readers understand complex topics and trends. Their work involves gathering and analyzing data, collaborating with reporters and editors, and using visualization tools to present data-driven stories in an engaging and accessible way.
What are popular job titles related to Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Illinois? For Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Illinois, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Illinois look for? The top searched job categories for Data Visualization Journalist jobs in Illinois are:
What cities in Illinois are hiring for Data Visualization Journalist jobs? Cities in Illinois with the most Data Visualization Journalist job openings:
Data Visualization Journalist jobs near you

Data Journalism Editor, IRW

American

Campus, IL • On-site

$70K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 23 days ago

Job description

American University is a student-centered research institution located in Washington, DC, with highly-ranked schools and colleges, internationally-renowned faculty, and a reputation for creating meaningful change in the world. Learn more about American University

Department:

School of Communication

Time Type:

Full time


Job Type:

Regular

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Work Modality:

Full On Campus Presence

Union:

Excluded

Job Description:

Summary:

The Investigative Reporting Workshopseeks an outstanding data journalistto leadourdataand artificialintelligencejournalism efforts,mentor others, andtranslate complex data into impactful investigative stories, while contributing creatively and strategically to the newsroom.

The DataJournalismEditor handles daily and long-term dataassignmentsforvarious journalism projects withinIRW, a nonprofit newsroom based at the School of Communication). The Data Editor works withother editorsand internsand graduate fellowson data collection, data cleaning, data management, data analysis, and data visualizations.

The DataJournalismEditor reports to the Executive Editor. This position works under general supervision and will interact with other staff, students, faculty, and consultantsat IRW. The DataJournalismEditorensuresthatourdata-driven investigations are based on sound data management and analysis principles, and that data findings areaccurateand based on acceptedbest practices in journalism.

Our ideal applicants haveat least three tofiveyears of experience in data journalism, including statistical analysis and reporting stories from data, and some experience in programming.Familiarity with Artificial Intelligence, Large Language Models and their applications is preferred.We want a journalist who cares about finding stories among those communities that are often underrepresented in the media, and onewho is passionate aboutaccuratestorytelling across platforms.

Exceptional candidates with importantskills that do not precisely match theabove description are welcome to apply and tell us aboutthemselves.

Essential Functions:

1.) Data Analysis and Reporting

  • Develop and execute plans foracquiring, analyzing, cleaning, andpresenting data used by the Investigative Reporting Workshop for potential stories.

  • Pitch anddevelopstory ideas for future projects.

2.) Editing

  • Check and re-check thousands of documents, reviewing the work of student journalists and graduate fellows who obtain data and documents through public-records requests, court records,and online sources.

  • Draft orassign draftsof allmethodologyused in stories and projects for potential publication.

3.) Training and Presentations

  • Developsideas for on-site workshops and events,andparticipatesinpanels at national conferences, including, but not limited to, IRE and NICAR, theInvestigative Reporters and Editors and its spinoff, the National Institute for Computer Assisted Reporting, respectively.

  • This position alsofrequentlyspeaks to American University's graduate boot-camp students and to the Dow Jones training workshops for business reporters held at American University.

4.) Other Duties as Assigned

  • Maintain frequent contact with smaller nonprofit newsrooms working with IRW on data-heavy projects.

  • Other assignments as needed.

Supervisory Responsibility:

  • This position supervises one to three part-time studentreportersandgraduatefellows.

Competencies:

  • Acquiring and Analyzing Information.

  • Prioritizing andOrganizing.

  • Collaborative Leadership.

  • Supporting Coworkers.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

  • Full-time.

  • 35 hours per week.

  • In-person position and eligible for Hybrid 1 schedule.

  • Position is located at the Investigative Reporting Workshop atAmerican University School of Communication (SOC)in Washington, D.C.

  • Continuation of the program/position is contingent upon external funding.

Salary Range:

  • $70,000.00 - $80,000.00 annually.

Required Educationand Experience:

  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent.

  • 3 - 5 years of relevant experience.

Preferred Educationand Experience:

  • Master's degree or equivalent.

Travel Required:

  • Occasional travel mayberequired.

Additional Eligibility Qualifications:

  • Candidates are encouraged to submit a cover letter and resume with their application.

  • Employees in the School of Communication are required to work on campus in a full presence modality for the first month of their employment.

  • Proficiencyin the following are preferred and would be an asset to this work:1.) Statistics and statistical analysis tools, includingRESTful Service Query Language (RSQL), Excel, Python, 2.) ExpertiseinFreedom of Information Act (FOIA),Public Access to Court Electronic Records (PACER), and other public-records resources, 3.) Server management,4.) Database management, especially Postgres5.) Web development, especially news applications and data visualization tools.

Other Duties:

  • Pleasenote thatthis job description is not designed to cover orcontaina comprehensivelistingof activities, duties or responsibilities that arerequired ofthe employee for this job. Duties,responsibilitiesand activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package.Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

  • Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.

  • Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.

  • Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

  • American University is an E-Verify employer.

Current American University Employees

American University current employees must apply through their employee Workday account. If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoWorkdayand select the Find Jobs report which will take you to our internal career listings.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, emailtheworkline@american.edu.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual's genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

Apply