Job Description
Fostering Media Connections, a national nonprofit journalism organization and publisher of The Imprint and Fostering Families Today, is looking for an enterprising reporter to join us in establishing a full-time child welfare and youth justice beat in Minnesota.
There has never been a more important time for in-depth, nuanced reporting about the ways in which government intervenes in the lives of children and families in crisis. Child welfare practice is now under heightened scrutiny, as it balances the need to preserve families and to keep children safe and protected from trauma — needs made all the more dire during the pandemic.
The murder of George Floyd in Minnesota last year has also increased the need for ongoing coverage of racism and policing, a subject too often overlooked in stories about youth and crime.
Come join the only staff in America dedicated solely to elevating the discussion around child welfare, youth justice and youth homelessness. Through in-depth reporting across the country, we examine not only the origins and impacts of government intervention in the lives of children and families, but also the promising practices being developed to better serve them.
The ideal candidate will be able to obtain, monitor and review public records. They will be as comfortable interviewing young people raised in foster care and youth in secure facilities, as they are discussing weighty topics with politicians and advocates. The candidate must have experience listening and accurately describing issues critical to vulnerable populations of all ages and from diverse racial, ethnic, geographic and socio-economic backgrounds.
This position’s primary responsibilities will include:
- Building a regular reporting beat covering child welfare and youth justice at the state and local level in Minnesota.
- Producing enterprising stories that shed light on critical issues such as family preservation, community-based initiatives, the role of relatives in foster care, issues and concerns particular to Native American and African American communities, and racial disparities.
- Working with our communications team to create a monthly newsletter to feature our work for Minnesota readers.
- Assisting FMC staff with occasional online or live events focused on Minnesota news and issues
- Occasional reporting for Fostering Families Today magazine, a publication for foster and kinship caregivers.
Qualifications
We are seeking someone with at least one to three years of journalism experience. Candidates are encouraged to apply from anywhere, but they will be required to reside in Minnesota. An entrepreneurial attitude and an interest in the growing field of nonprofit news are also a plus. Above all, we are looking for candidates who are creative, curious, eager and interested in finding untold stories.
Fostering Media Connections is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse newsroom that strengthens the quality of our journalism and our workplace. We strongly encourage applicants of all races, ethnicities, gender and sexual orientations, physical abilities, socioeconomic backgrounds and national origins to apply. Candidates of all ages are encouraged to apply.
Compensation
This position will earn an annual salary of $50,000. FMC offers subsidized health insurance (after 90 days), a matching retirement plan and paid time off.
How to Apply
Please submit the following through our application form: https://airtable.com/shrJ0WaQH2jmllF7Z
- A résumé, and a cover letter
- Three-to-five writing clips, two story ideas, three references
This position will remain open until filled.