Graphics reporter, deleted data project

The Guardian is a global news organization that delivers fearless, independent journalism. From breaking news and award-winning investigations, to in-depth coverage of technology, sports, film, culture and lifestyle, the Guardian offers a global view that deepens our audiences' understanding of America and the world.

Headquartered in New York City, Guardian US is an entirely digital operation that seeks to engage US readers by combining the Guardian's international coverage with US voices and expertise. Core coverage areas include the climate emergency, economic and racial inequality, digital privacy and much more. Guardian US launched in 2011 and today has bureaus in New York, Washington DC, New Orleans and Los Angeles. The Guardian is an independently owned, mission-driven organization, funded by readers around the globe.

It's the talent, energy and commitment our people bring to The Guardian that make us who we are. Across our business we have some of the most creative thinkers in media and beyond: award winning journalists, cutting edge commercial teams, digital talent and more.

Role: Graphics reporter, deleted data project

Department: Special series team

Reports to: Senior editor, special series

Location: Flexible

Hybrid/Remote/In-Person: Hybrid

Terms and conditions: One-year contract

Salary: $110,000 - $115,600 annually

The Guardian is seeking an ambitious, rigorous and creative graphics reporter to help develop a new project focused on how critical government data and information is being deleted–and what the consequences are. From the departments of education and housing to NOAA, NASA and the EPA, crucial government data and thousands of webpages have been removed since the start of the year. Signage at national parks and museums is being reviewed and changed. This information tells the story of the US, including the state of inequality and injustice, and can help direct attention and funding to those most at risk from climate disaster, poor health, underinvestment, and more. If this data ceases to exist, or is altered, some experts believe that inequalities could become further entrenched.

The graphics reporter will help conceptualize the project and tell stories about the data that is being altered or deleted. Stories could involve recreating a valuable dataset that has been lost, or continuing to track what it tracked. Or they could highlight the work of researchers, scientists, archivists and librarians as information and history “defenders.”

The ideal graphics reporting candidate will have both exceptional data visualization skills with an eye towards telling stories through innovative visualizations and interactives. We want someone with a keen editorial eye who has experience working with reporters to design and program the visuals for ambitious projects.

Key responsibilities

  • Work with the data editor, editor of the movement building project, and data reporter to plan and execute visuals and reporting projects
  • Brainstorm, design, and build visual stories, whether it's recreating a climate tool the government has taken down, or creating a static data visual that elevates the narrative, or combining census data and using government research to highlight disparities.

  • You should be comfortable building graphics in javascript frameworks (we work in Svelte). Experience with Illustrator and ai2html is a big plus

About you

  • 5+ years of experience preferred
  • You can see and shape the narrative of a story through your visuals. You will work closely with the other members of the team but lead the presentation of the story
  • You have experience in front-end web development using modern HTML, CSS and JavaScript and rendering graphics in the browser
  • You are a strong programmer, who uses programming to bring visuals to life. Strong sense of visual design is great, and familiarity with design software is a plus
  • Some experience with data reporting using R, Python, or other programmatic methods to help
  • In addition to these core responsibilities, we're interested in a demonstrated experience in any one of the following areas, which could make up a small part of the role:
  • Front end web development
  • AI2HTML
  • Simple animations

  • Cartography

How to apply

We know there are great candidates who might not check all these boxes or who possess important skills we haven't thought of. If that's you, we encourage you to apply and tell us about yourself.

Please share a portfolio, resume, and short cover letter. Applications without work samples will not be considered.

All roles at the Guardian are open for everybody to apply. It is important to us that you feel supported and comfortable throughout your recruitment process, in order to perform your best. Please let us know if there are any changes we could make to the application process to make it easier and more comfortable for you. Please email the recruiter listed on the job posting or at recruitment.us@theguardian.com to discuss further so we can work with you to support you through your application.

Benefits

  • 25 days of vacation leave in addition to 12 company holidays
  • Unlimited sick time
  • Free Headspace subscription for you and your family members(Headspace is a company that offers evidence-based meditation and mindfulness tools, mental health coaching, therapy, psychiatry, and EAP services)
  • 401(k) Match
  • Subsidized healthcare coverage including medical, vision, and dental
  • Medical and Dependent Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Generous parental leave with 100% pay
  • Long Term and Short Term Disability insurance
  • Life insurance
  • Commuter benefits

  • Work/Life balance: Flexible hybrid schedule

Culture & wellbeing

We want everyone to feel like they belong at the Guardian and we champion diversity of thought. You will also have the opportunity to hear unique insight from our journalists in our morning conference, a live discussion on the news story of the day.

We offer great tools to help you prioritize your wellbeing including a free Headspace subscription and access to an Employee Assistance Program.

Learning & development

We encourage personal and professional growth. Employees have access to a broad range of tools and solutions, and we are happy to support the pursuit of professional qualifications through vocational courses and apprenticeships.

Sustainability

Our goal is to become an environmentally regenerative company and we have signed up to a sustainability vision and strategy to reach it. Find more information about sustainability at GNM here.

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The Guardian is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, the Guardian will provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities.

We value and respect all differences (seen and unseen) in all people at the Guardian. We aspire to have inclusive working experiences and an environment that reflects the audience we serve, where our people have equal access to career development opportunities, their voices are heard and can contribute to our future.