Ancil Payne Reporting Fellowship

The deadline for applications is Monday, Aug. 10, at 9 a.m. Eastern time.

ProPublica is looking for a two-year Ancil Payne reporting fellow to do enterprising investigations focused on the state of California. 

California is not only the nation’s largest state by population but, in many ways, runs counter to the current policies and laws being promulgated in Washington, D.C., from climate change to taxation. Exploring the consequences of the state’s policies and the leaders overseeing them will be a key part of our new team’s mission. Beyond that, California is also a hub of technology, arts, sports and higher education. If it were a country, California would be the fourth-largest economy in the world.

Over the course of two years, we expect the fellow to take on a mix of short-, medium- and long-term stories. That includes reporting and writing stories of your own (here are some examples of other fellows’ work) and collaborating on some of ProPublica’s biggest and most complex projects, like this one about the dangers of certain booster seats that prompted a congressional investigation. We hope the fellow will take on increasingly complex stories during their time on our staff, working independently and with colleagues.

You will report to the senior editor, California, and work alongside the new California team we are hiring to cover the state.  

We’re looking for someone who: 

• Has at least three and no more than seven years of professional journalism experience and is eager to develop their investigative reporting skills.
• Brings a strong accountability lens and interest in focusing it on California through quick investigations reported over a couple of weeks as well as longer projects that may require a few months (or more) of digging.
• Has a track record of asking tough questions and publishing original, revelatory, in-depth or investigative stories. You don’t have to be an “investigative reporter,” but you do have to have shown a dedication to digging for the truth, holding people and institutions accountable. 
• Seeks to report stories that are both important and powerfully told.
• Brings perspectives and life experiences that drive them toward fresh angles and approaches for covering the news.
• Can travel for assignments, staff meetings and trainings, as necessary.
• Works well with others. We are a highly collaborative newsroom, both across our teams and with other news organizations regionally and nationally. We believe we do some of our best work together.

The fellowship runs for two years. The role is based in California. We are not open to remote applicants. The candidate should either live in the state or be willing to relocate if hired. Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

The salary for this full-time position is $75,000 per year and includes benefits. Read more information about ProPublica’s benefits.

This is a good-faith estimate of what we expect to pay for this position. The final salary figure will take into account a person’s experience, accomplishment and location. ProPublica is committed to paying its staff equitably, and these ranges should not be considered career salary limits or caps.

Questions? Send an email to [email protected]. No phone calls, please.