Join our team

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity focuses on exposing systemic racism by uncovering discriminatory practices and shining a light on abuses of power that drive racial and economic disparities. Through data and deep-dive investigations, the Project on Race and Equity tell stories that inform people about social issues — and build and analyze databases to bring systemic injustice into focus.

Open Position

Location: Chicago, Illinois

Beat: Investigative reporter

Position:

Using data and documents, the Investigative Project reports facts and offers proof of known patterns of abuse and failed oversight. The newsroom seeks a dogged reporter with great story ideas, the ability to produce revelatory and unique stories, and the ability to chase down public records, data and sources to reveal disparities within Chicago.

Salary and Benefits: $60,000 - $70,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits include two weeks of paid vacation, generous holiday schedule, health-care, dental and vision coverage and a flexible schedule.

Moving Stipend: No

Skills: Writing, Radio / Podcast, Data

Job Title: Apprentice
Location:  Hybrid position based in Chicago, with required attendance at in-person meetings, interviews and events
Reports to: Investigations Editor
Employment Type: Part-time, 12-month position with the possibility to renew
Compensation: Commensurate with experience.
Deadline to Apply: Feb. 16, 2026

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity is a mission-driven nonprofit newsroom known for data-driven investigative journalism that informs crucial conversations about race and equity issues in Chicago. Our work exposes systemic racism by uncovering discriminatory practices and shining a light on abuses of power that drive racial and economic disparities. Through data and deep-dive investigations, we tell stories that inform people about social issues — and we build and analyze databases to bring systemic injustice into focus.

About the Job:

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity offers early-career journalists an apprenticeship training program that provides the foundational skills required to produce deeply reported investigative projects. The Apprenticeship has three elements: hands-on investigative reporting, training in investigative methods and techniques, and mentorship. Apprentices are paired with an experienced editor and reporter who will guide them through reporting assignments related to an investigative project. Duties include obtaining/analyzing data and other public records, interviews, writing, fact-checking and the other fundamentals of investigative reporting.

The Apprentice position requires a time commitment of 10 hours per week, for 12 months, with the possibility to renew. Some of the work will be done remotely, but attendance at in-person meetings, interviews and events is required.

Responsibilities include:

• Conduct research to uncover interesting and significant patterns and practices

• Obtain data and other public records through the Freedom of Information Act

• Gather, corroborate and interpret data and documents

• Develop sources and interview a range of key people to obtain more information

• Maintain a reporting journal with meticulous documentation of reporting tasks

• Weekly reporting of work accomplished and time spent on project

• Fact-check

• Participate in various training and mentorship opportunities

Suggested qualifications:

• Strong writing skills and interviewing skills

• Ability to meet deadlines and fact-check information under a reporter’s guidance

• Successfully published original news reports or segments

• Familiarity with and commitment to reporting on equity issues, and investigative and data journalism

• Ability to work cooperatively with a diverse group of peers

The most successful candidates will possess the following:

• Highly organized and detail-oriented

• A strong commitment to our mission

• Personal and professional integrity

• A willingness and commitment to learning.

• We are dedicated to ensuring that our organization reflects the region we cover and are committed to fostering an inclusive environment. We encourage members of historically underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.

To Apply:

Send your resume, a cover letter explaining your interest and aptitude for producing investigative journalism and your three best clips to info@raceandequityproject.org. 

The Investigative Project on Race and Equity encourages individuals from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, order of protection status, physical or mental disability, veteran/military status, unfavorable discharge, marital status, pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation. The Project prohibits all forms of unlawful discrimination, including discrimination because of any one of the protected statuses listed above.