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The Mid-America Regional Council (MARC) is seeking a qualified individual to serve as a Data Journalist.

ABOUT US

MARC, the association of local governments and metropolitan planning organization for the bistate Kansas City region, promotes and supports cooperation on regional issues, including transportation, the environment, our workforce and economy, aging services, community development, quality early learning, public safety communications and emergency services. MARC has a collaborative work environment with a culture based on integrity, innovation, diversity and inclusion, excellence in performance and service leadership.

ABOUT THIS POSITION

We are a forward-thinking organization dedicated to leveraging data to drive innovation and inform our community. Our team is passionate about uncovering stories hidden within data and presenting them in compelling and accessible ways. We are looking for a talented Data Journalist to join our team and help us tell these stories. This position will primarily work in partnership with our housing and transportation teams and will include demographic, economic and social service elements.

We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Data Journalist with a strong technical background to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will have a keen eye for identifying topics of interest, the ability to write both short and long-form journalistic pieces, present data and information verbally to diverse audiences, and the technical expertise to find and analyze data independently. This role requires proficiency in querying databases and building dashboards to visualize data effectively.

What you’ll do

• Identify Topics of Interest: Stay abreast of current events, trends, and emerging issues to identify relevant and engaging topics for data-driven stories.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Independently source, collect, and analyze data from various databases, public records, and other sources to support journalistic pieces.
• Writing and Storytelling: Craft compelling short and long-form articles and presentations that effectively communicate complex data insights to a broad audience. Ensure accuracy, clarity, and engagement in all written and verbal content.
• Database Querying: Utilize SQL or other database querying languages to extract and manipulate data for analysis.
• Dashboard Creation: Design and build interactive dashboards using tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms to visualize data and support storytelling.
• Collaboration: Work closely with other data analysts, members of our public affairs team and internal and external stakeholders to develop and refine story ideas and ensure the highest quality of content.
• Data Visualization: Create clear and impactful data visualizations and presentations, including charts, graphs, and maps, to accompany written pieces and presentations and enhance audience understanding.
• Commitment to Facts: Ensure all data and information presented in articles are accurate and verified through rigorous fact-checking processes and are presented with thought and conviction but without political bias.

ABOUT YOU

Skills you’ll need

• Technical skills: proficiency in SQL, Python, R, or other programming languages used for data analysis. Experience with data visualization tools such as Tableau, Power BI, or similar platforms.
• Journalistic skills: strong writing and storytelling abilities with a portfolio of published work. Experience in both short and long-form journalism.
• Analytical skills: ability to analyze and interpret complex data sets to uncover stories and insights.
• Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to accuracy in all work.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to explain complex data concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently to find and analyze data.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with colleagues from diverse backgrounds.

Basic requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Data Science, Computer Science, Urban Planning, Public Administration or a related field. A master’s degree is a plus.              
• Minimum of three years of experience in data journalism, data analysis, or a related field.

Additional qualifications

Your resume will stand out if you have:

• Familiarity with using APIs to access and retrieve data from various sources.
• Experience with advanced data visualization techniques and tools.
• Experience with multimedia storytelling, including video, audio, and interactive content.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

SALARY AND BENEFITS

Starting salary for this position is from $68,000 to $72,000 per year, depending upon qualifications. MARC offers an attractive team-oriented work environment along with a competitive fringe benefit package. MARC offers employees flexibility to work remotely for up to two days per work week.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, complete our online application form and attach your cover letter and resume. For more information, visit marc.org/jobs. 

MARC provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they can perform every job description task. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. MARC may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.