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Entry Level Data Journalism Jobs in Massachusetts

Entry Level Data Journalism information

What is entry level data journalism?

Entry level data journalism refers to positions for early-career journalists who use data analysis and visualization to find, tell, and enhance news stories. These roles typically involve gathering, cleaning, and interpreting data sets, then presenting findings through articles, charts, maps, or interactive graphics. Entry level data journalists often work alongside reporters and editors to uncover trends and insights that may not be immediately visible from traditional reporting methods. Essential skills include basic statistical analysis, proficiency with spreadsheet tools, and sometimes introductory programming or data visualization software. Many entry level positions provide on-the-job training and are a pathway into specialized investigative or data-driven reporting.

How do entry level data journalists typically collaborate with editors and other reporters on investigative stories?

Entry level data journalists often work closely with editors and other reporters throughout the investigative process. They may be responsible for sourcing, cleaning, and analyzing datasets that support narrative reporting, and will regularly discuss findings with editors to shape story direction. Collaboration can involve contributing data-driven insights during meetings, visualizing data for publication, and ensuring that analysis aligns with journalistic standards. This teamwork not only enhances the quality of stories but also provides valuable learning opportunities for new data journalists.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level data journalist, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Data Journalist, you need a foundation in journalism, data analysis, and basic statistics, often supported by a relevant degree or coursework. Familiarity with data visualization tools (like Tableau), spreadsheet software, and basic coding languages (such as Python or R) is commonly expected. Curiosity, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate complex findings clearly are standout soft skills in this role. These skills ensure accurate, engaging storytelling that makes data accessible and meaningful to the public.

What is the difference between Entry Level Data Journalism vs Data Analyst?

AspectEntry Level Data JournalismData Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Journalism, Communications, or related field; basic data skillsBachelor's in Statistics, Data Science, or related field; proficiency in data tools
Work EnvironmentMedia outlets, newsrooms, online publicationsCorporate, finance, healthcare, or tech companies
Employer & Industry UsageNews organizations, media companiesVarious industries requiring data interpretation
Common Search & ComparisonYesNo

Entry Level Data Journalism focuses on storytelling through data in media settings, requiring journalism skills combined with basic data analysis. Data Analysts work across industries analyzing data to inform business decisions, often requiring advanced data skills. While both roles involve data, their primary functions and work environments differ significantly.

Are data journalists in demand?

Data journalists are increasingly in demand as news organizations seek professionals skilled in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. The growth of digital media and data-driven reporting has expanded opportunities for entry-level data journalism roles across media outlets and online platforms.

How to get started in entry level data journalism?

To start in entry level data journalism, develop skills in data analysis, visualization, and storytelling using tools like Excel, SQL, and Tableau. Gain experience through internships, online courses, or personal projects that showcase your ability to interpret and communicate data effectively.

What are popular job titles related to Entry Level Data Journalism jobs in Massachusetts?

For Entry Level Data Journalism jobs in Massachusetts, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Data Journalism jobs in Massachusetts look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Data Journalism jobs in Massachusetts are:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Data Journalism job openings in Massachusetts as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Account Executive, Technology - Boston

SHIFT Communications

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 hours ago


Job description

Account Executive - Technology
You're killing it at your first or second job and looking for new challenge, somewhere where you'll be empowered (and expected) to be incredibly hands on with all aspects of program planning, execution and evaluation, with assignments that let you leverage your love of new technologies, creative storytelling and media on a daily basis.
Welcome to SHIFT. We're looking for people like you to join our technology practice to help our clients get their message out and connect with the people who matter them through insights-driven narratives, creative platforms, thought leadership initiatives and content delivered across the paid, earned, social and owned media ecosystem.
Here, you'll be part of a team charged with crafting integrated, data-driven campaigns for emerging and established brands; interfacing with colleagues, clients, media and influencers daily; you'll also be part of an agency committed to rethinking and redesigning its approach to communications every day; where good ideas are listened to no matter their source, and where all colleagues have two things in common: a passion for doing great work, and the thrill we get seeing that impact that work has on a client's business.
Here's a bit more about what we're looking for, what you'll be doing and what it takes to succeed at SHIFT.
What You Bring
  • BA or BS in PR, Communications, Journalism or Liberal Arts.
  • One to two yearsexperience in an entry-level job in an agency or client environment.
  • A real passion for emerging technologies and the changes they're bringing about in how we do what we do, and more broadly across business and society.
  • A natural digital- and mobile-first mindset to all you do.
  • Ridiculously strong oral, written and interpersonal communications.
  • An insatiable curiosity combined with an innate ability to think critically that translates into creativity, founded in strategy, that you can apply to our programming day in and day out.
  • Current knowledge of and comfort operating within and across the PESO media landscape.
  • Juggling skills. Seriously, you'll be expected to keep a lot of balls in the air, with each progressing towards an on-target, on time and on budget delivery.
  • The self-discipline to take direction, focus on tasks and deliver on commitments.
  • The self-awareness to know when to listen, when to speak and when you've said enough.
  • A genuine thirst for learning, self-improvement and personal growth.
  • A fierce competitive spirit that compels you to play to win at whatever you're doing.
  • The ability to work independently while working collaboratively towards a common goal.
  • A willingness to actively contribute to making our agency a better place to work.

What You'll Be Doing
  • Building a deep network of trusted relationships with the media, analysts and influencers key to your clients' success.
  • QC'ing your own work and that of colleagues to ensure it's clear, concise, compelling and complies with the basic principles of business writing and, when intended for the media, AP style.
  • Helping to design, sell-in, produce, project-manage, execute and measure award-worthy campaigns.
  • Drafting a broad range of materials - from web content, press releases and op-eds to research reports, white papers and speeches.
  • Identifying and engaging influencers willing to advocate for our clients' brands.
  • Identifying and pitching reporters with timely, relevant and compelling story ideas/angles, and supporting them through the reporting process with access to clients, data, materials and more that make their stories stronger and jobs easier.
  • Collaborating with experts across the network to develop and implement social media and content marketing strategies that help build audience and move the needles the clients care about.
  • Drafting client reports that show our progress/performance vs established KPI's

What it Takes to Succeed Here
  • Help us improve. Become fluent in the agency's brand and business; familiarize yourself with our teams, clients, best case work and best proposals. See a missed opportunity along the way? Call it out. Share your thoughts. Make us better.
  • Make yourself smarter. Invest any downtime you have in your first six months to become certified in Google Analytics, and to master Google's keyword tools. Both will help you prepare client-ready work more quickly as requested.
  • Know what's going on. Read/watch/listen to and then analyze and report the news that's important to you and your clients; provide recommendations for actions that the client can/should take as a result.
  • Have a point of view. We're not looking for people who agree with everything we say. We're looking for people who think independently, believe in things important to them and can bring and defend that passion to work with them every day.
  • Make your team smarter. Get and stay up to speed on the market, competitive and internal business dynamics shaping the worlds and impacting the decisions of the clients to which you're assigned. Become the go-to resource on your team for this kind of information.
  • Learn the agency business. Ask questions of those around you/ attend proscribed training programs to understand how we budget, how we manage projects, how we develop and nurture client relationships and how we measure our own success as an agency.
  • Raise your hand. Don't ever wait for someone to ask you to do something; ask what you can do to help your team, our clients and our agency succeed. Daily.
  • Find your passion. Some of our people are expert in certain verticals; others are expert at certain functions. Many have become expert at multiple sectors and multiple functions. What's important to you, and to us, is that you find something you love to do and do whatever it takes to master it.
  • Live our values. Nothing is more important. We'll hold you to that standard and you can hold us to that standard. It's that simple.
  • Love what you do. Agency life is not for everyone. We work hard and have a lot of fun in the process. We'll both know within your first few months if it's for you. We certainly hope it is, but if not, chances are you'll make a great client. We want you to be successful and love what you do, wherever that may be.

Benefits
  • Competitive salary and bonuses and referral bonuses for bringing on new employees & clients
  • Hybrid and extremely flexible work environment
  • Tech stipend to ensure you have all the tools you need to work productively from home or anywhere you feel most inspired
  • Generous PTO including office closure between Christmas and New Year's and summer Fridays
  • Company 401k contribution that starts on day one
  • Medical, dental and vision benefits; HAS and FSA options
  • Paid parental leave and short-term disability insurance
  • Donation matching and PTO for volunteering in your community
  • Supportive colleagues who celebrate your milestones and wins
  • Inclusive work environment that celebrates and encourages what makes you YOU

If you've got what it takes and are ready to take your career to the next level, we want to meet you.