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Reports to: Manager of Economic Mobility Initiative, Manager of Business & Sustainability Initiative

Position type, duration: Temporary, Contractor

Location: Remote

Compensation: $25,000 

Applications due: October 24, 2020 by 5 pm ET

Interviews: October 26 - 30

Start Date: November 2 

The Solutions Journalism Network is seeking a creative journalist and/or researcher to design tools to help us measure engagement inside and outside of newsrooms that are undertaking solutions-focused projects. 

The consultant will design surveys to measure audience engagement and responses for Economic Mobility and Business & Sustainability grantees, which will include cohorts that represent a diverse range of audiences, from hyperlocal to national. This survey instrument will draw from previous SJN survey tools and will provide a template that can be deployed for other SJN initiatives. 

They will also assist newsroom grantees in maximizing their use of available analytics tools to measure audience engagement for the projects and stories.  

Finally, the consultant will design and lead at least two community-based focus groups for one of our national initiatives. These may take place online or in-person, depending on local recommendations to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Outcomes of the work and summaries of what we learn will be presented in final reports to SJN. 

The goals of this work are to better understand how both journalists and audience members respond to solutions-focused coverage of economic mobility and business stories. We’re also seeking to capture the effectiveness of SJN training and support inside newsrooms. 

The consultant will work directly with the managers of SJN’s Economic Mobility and Business & Sustainability Initiatives.

This is a temporary position, paid at a flat rate for the project at $25,000 for completing a list of deliverables. The timeline will be determined upon hire. 

The ideal candidate will have experience with both surveys and focus groups, with a preference for online focus groups. Also, experience working with journalists or journalism organizations and/or working with audience analytics in a newsroom environment, including presenting metrics seminars to newsrooms specific to these projects.

We want to see how you’ve used creativity to solve problems in the past and how you have a “can-do” attitude; strong interviewing and facilitation skills, including across diverse groups; passionate attention to detail; analytical ability; and strong written communications skills.

You’re super organized and able to work alone but can collaborate when needed. Journalism experience is preferred, but not required. 

The work can be done remotely. This independent contractor position does not qualify for benefits via SJN. 

The Solutions Journalism Network is an independent not-for-profit organization. We exist to spread the practice of solutions journalism -- rigorous, evidence-based reporting on the responses to social problems. (More here: www.solutionsjournalism.org.)

Diversity of perspective, identity, and experience is important to us. We’re an ambitious bunch and are looking for candidates who bring their whole selves to work. We also want to reflect and serve the whole of society. As a result, we encourage applicants from diverse background to apply, and we make all employment decisions without regard to race, age, gender, sexual orientation, or any other factors protected by federal, state or local law. 

To request reasonable accommodation, contact Alejandra Venancio (alejandra@solutionsjournalism.org).

Does this sound like your calling? We hope so. Apply by October 24, 2020 at 5 pm ET. We anticipate interviewing candidates in late October with work starting in early November.