The Jersey Vindicator seeks freelance investigative reporters

The Jersey Vindicator, a statewide nonprofit news organization that launched with the goal of holding state and local governments and other powerful interests in the state accountable with aggressive public records- and data-driven reporting, is seeking freelance reporters for both one-time investigative pitches and ongoing work.

Founded in the fall of 2023 as an independent, nonpartisan newsroom that seeks to advance accountability, engage younger audiences, and empower residents, the Jersey Vindicator is dedicated to high-quality investigative and public-service journalism about New Jersey that holds local and state governments and other powerful interests accountable and confronts urgent statewide issues, including threats to democracy, political spending, education, economic development, property taxes and abatements, health, housing, the environment, and criminal justice.

To supplement the work of the Vindicator’s full-time staff (and we’re hiring, too, if a staff job is more what you’re looking for), we’re looking to work with freelance reporters on mid- and long-term investigative projects that hold powerful interests accountable and shed light on some of New Jersey’s most pressing public policy issues.

We’re eager to work with freelancers who have a deep understanding of New Jersey and have experience reporting on the dynamics between local, regional, and state governments, planning and development issues, and/or the challenges of public school districts. 

Investigative reporting experience, including strong use of public records reporting and data journalism, is preferred. Advanced data journalism skills and experience, a passion for public records, a strong commitment to collaborative journalism with colleagues and partner news organizations, and fluency in other languages are a plus. But applicants who’ve never had the formal title of “investigative reporter” are encouraged to reach out. We prioritize solutions-oriented journalism and reporting with and in service to the communities affected by the issues we cover.

Candidates must be organized and able to keep on track and communicate well about the progress of a mid- to long-term investigative piece, work well with editors in shaping pitches and story outlines, be willing to collaborate with partner news organizations when applicable, and show rigorous attention to detail and be fully invested in the Vindicator’s fact-checking process.

In return, the Vindicator will offer competitive freelance reporting rates commensurate with high-quality investigative work, kill fee arrangements and similar considerations, and strong and supportive collaboration in the story development and editing process. Reporters will have the opportunity to work with an experienced editor who has edited many successful projects at various news organizations, and whose team won a Pulitzer for breaking news. The editor also has extensive experience as a freelance writer and works collaboratively with freelancers to make the story the best it can be to serve the information needs of New Jersey residents. 

To apply

All applications should include a cover letter, resume, and examples of journalism that show your ability to do investigative work. We welcome pitches about a particular issue. Your pitch should fit with the mission of The Vindicator. Send applications and pitches to write@jerseyvindicator.org. 

The Jersey Vindicator is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing an inclusive work environment and the opportunity of employment, advancement, and leadership roles regardless of race, national origin or ancestry, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion and/or military or veteran status.