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In its third year, Propublica invites up to 10 news editors from media companies across the country to participate in a one-year research and editing training program led by the newsroom’s award-winning staff.
The Propublica Investigative Editor Training Program application is currently open. Submissions will be 9am Eastern time on March 24th.
As the research newsroom for one of the nation’s leading nonprofit organizations, Propublica is dedicated to law and life-changing journalism, dedicated to moving forward the careers of those who create it. The goal of this program is to address the critical needs of the industry that expands the ranks of research editors. Building a talent pipeline is a priority that will help us and our industry.
“A good research editor can be a multiplier of the power for change,” said Alexandra Zayas, assistant administrator of Alexandra Zayas, editor training program architect. “Unfortunately, it’s one of the hardest jobs to break in. Many successful people have learned from other research editors, so we created this program to seed these opportunities. We’re amazed at how well it works.”
This year’s program will begin in June 2025 with a week-long boot camp in New York. This includes a panel discussion on how to pregnant and produce research projects that cause and affect harm. Editors will also be trained in how to manage reporters using data, documents and sensitive sources, such as whistleblowers, agency insiders, and people suffering from trauma. The program also includes virtual continuing education sessions and support from Propublica mentors.
The program is funded by the generosity of the Jonathan Logan Family Foundation. The Jonathan Logan Family Foundation supports journalism, film and arts organizations dedicated to strengthening social justice and democracy.
FAQ
What is this?
The Propublica Investigative Editor Training program is designed to help expand the ranks of editors with research experience in newsrooms across the country, helping to better reflect the entire country.
What experience can you expect?
The program begins with a five-day intensive editorial boot camp in New York, which includes a series of courses and panel discussions led by Propublica senior editors, veteran reporters and other newsroom leaders. The bootcamp includes hands-on editing exercises and opportunities for ongoing workshop projects for participants in their newsrooms.
Participants will then effectively gather for seminars and career development discussions with cohorts and propopublica journalists. Each participant will be assigned as a ProPublica Senior Editor as a mentor for advice on story and management challenges or how to most effectively pursue your professional aspirations.
What skills do I need to learn?
How to evaluate story ideas and determine the appropriate scope, length, and time to complete the work. How to manage reporters through complex accountability stories and communicate feedback in ways that build trust and confidence. How to edit a draft of your research, find holes in reporting logic, organize the story, and guide reporters through the fact-checking process. How to work with research, data and multimedia teams to enhance research projects.
When is the boot camp?
The five-day full payroll bootcamp will be held in New York from June 1 to June 5, 2025, with remote sessions throughout the year through Google Meet.
Is there a virtual option for Bootcamp?
We are planning to have a 2025 boot camp in person, and there is no virtual option.
Are you responsible for expenses in New York?
Propublica covers participants’ expenses for meals, travel and accommodation during boot camp.
How many participants are selected each year?
Up to 10 journalists.
Who is eligible?
The program is open to everyone. The aim is to broaden the industry’s research and editing ranks and help include journalists from a wide range of backgrounds. We encourage everyone to apply, including socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds and rural news organizations, women, people of color, veterans, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. Past participants have come from a wide range of news outlets across the country.
The ideal participants are:
A minimum of five years of experience in journalism as an editor or as a reporter working primarily in the focus of research or accountability. I have a strong understanding of the basics of editing, storytelling, structure and framing. He has experience in managing teams of journalists and complex multi-report projects. Accountability Thoughts: You don’t need to join the research team, but you’re looking for someone to look to report and edit Watchdog.
If I live outside of the US, would I be eligible?
no.
How can I apply it?
The application period will open on Wednesday and closes Eastern time at 9am on March 24th. You can apply it from this link.
How can I learn more about the program?
You can view playback of the 2024 information webinar here. The date has been changed, but the rest of the program information remains the same.
What if I have other questions?
Send an email to Assistant Managing Editor Talia Buford [email protected].
