Investigative ReporterChildren's Health Defense

Department Overview:

The Defender department encompasses two services that bring the latest news and resources to our community, The Defender and Community Forum.

The Defender is the news and views website for CHD. We publish the Top News of the Day newsletter, Monday - Friday, and the Most Read News of the Week on Sundays.

Community Forum covers community news and views, including chapter news, and CHD advocacy efforts, including action alerts. The Community Forum site hosts the community calendar and an interactive message board where paid members/subscribers can connect with others around shared interests. Some Community Forum content is included in the Defender daily newsletter.

Position Overview: 

The Washington, D.C.-based Investigative Reporter will cover federal regulatory agency news and policy, with a focus on health, food, environment, and agriculture. The Washington, D.C.-based Investigative Reporter works directly with the Editor-in-Chief and editorial staff to develop story ideas and write trending and in-depth news and stories. The Investigative Reporter is responsible for pitching story ideas to the editors and may be asked to cover general assignments in addition to agency/policy news. 

• Develop and maintain  journalistic sources within key federal agencies, including:

  • United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

  • Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

  • Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

  • Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

• Produce comprehensive news, investigative and feature articles covering:

  • Agricultural policy and legislation

  • Food safety / nutrition regulations and initiatives

  • Public health policy, including pharma industry and chemical industry regulations affecting food and the environment

  • Regulatory changes affecting farming and food production

• Attend and report on congressional hearings, press conferences, and policy briefings related to food/agriculture and health

• Conduct interviews with policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups

• Develop data-driven stories that explain complex policy implications for general audiences

• Research and write breaking news and in-depth news stories based on leads or as assigned

• Work with editors to develop newsworthy stories tailored to The Defender’s audience

• Rework pieces as requested by editors and update pieces as needed for ongoing or developing stories

• Meet all deadlines as requested by editors

• Assist in maintaining The Defender’s experts database by adding experts on specific topics who can be interviewed for future stories

• Work collaboratively with Defender team and others to produce quality work under tight deadlines

• Confirm details with a source(s) with detailed accuracy and a developed timeline (when needed) related to content for articles,

• May be asked to assist other writers in identifying sources to quote for stories and cultivate sources who can provide news tips

• May be asked to review, edit and refine other writers’ work

• May be asked to train more new staff members as needed

• Attend CHD/Defender meetings and events as required

• Respond to calls, emails and text communications in a timely manner

• All other duties as assigned

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or public policy

• Minimum 3-5 years of experience in political or policy reporting

• Proven track record in breaking significant investigate news stories

• Experience in filing / reading FOIA requests

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Knowledge and alignment with CHD’s mission and values

• An exceptional understanding of online news + inverted pyramid style of reporting

• Strong interviewing skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Ability to work independently and collaboratively under deadline pressure

• Ability to multitask and prioritize

• Candidates for this position must submit at least two writing samples that are 500 words or more

DESIRED:

• Fluency in data journalism and statistical analysis

• Strong knowledge of AP Stylebook

• Proficient in standard business software including but not limited to MS Office or similar, email , and Experience using Google Workspace