Investigative Reporter

The Virginia Center for Investigative Journalism at WHRO is hiring enterprising Investigative Journalists to join our award-winning team. We're looking for reporters who thrive on digging deep, exposing systemic failures, and telling human-centered stories that spark conversation-and action-across Virginia. This is a remote position, but journalists must reside in Virginia and be willing to travel for on-the-ground reporting.

Candidates will write a beat memo - focused on covering government, development and the environment, or economic justice issues - outlining how they would approach the beat, their relevant experience, and at least two investigative project proposals.

Our coverage must meet the moment of rapid changes in federal policies and how these changes affect all Virginians.

Who We Are

VCIJ is a national-award winning, statewide nonprofit newsroom producing rigorous investigative journalism that holds power to account, serves the public interest, and uplifts unheard voices across the Commonwealth. We are the investigative newsroom for WHRO, a respected and well-resourced public media company based in Norfolk, Va.

VCIJ works with national media partners like ProPublica and the Pulitzer Center, as well as Virginia-based media outlets, to expand the reach and impact of our reporting. We've also formed partnerships with public institutions and mission-aligned organizations to help ensure our journalism reaches Virginians where they are-whether through digital platforms, broadcast, community events, or trusted public spaces.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Report and write ambitious, deeply reported investigative stories-narratives that illuminate injustice, reveal hidden truths, and elevate underrepresented communities. Produce radio spots and features.
• Pursue a mix of impactful short-form pieces, deeply reported long-form investigations, and, where appropriate, serialized projects that keep audiences engaged and informed.
• Develop and maintain trusted sources across communities, institutions, and beats-especially among those historically underrepresented in media coverage.
• Work with editors, photojournalists, data reporters, and media partners to deliver high-impact multimedia stories.
• Collaborate across platforms (including digital, video, radio, and podcast) to ensure reach and resonance.
• Monitor accountability metrics-how your reporting leads to change or shifts public understanding.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Report and write ambitious, deeply reported investigative stories-narratives that illuminate injustice, reveal hidden truths, and elevate underrepresented communities. Produce radio spots and features.
• Pursue a mix of impactful short-form pieces, deeply reported long-form investigations, and, where appropriate, serialized projects that keep audiences engaged and informed.
• Develop and maintain trusted sources across communities, institutions, and beats-especially among those historically underrepresented in media coverage.
• Work with editors, photojournalists, data reporters, and media partners to deliver high-impact multimedia stories.
• Collaborate across platforms (including digital, video, radio, and podcast) to ensure reach and resonance.
• Monitor accountability metrics-how your reporting leads to change or shifts public understanding.

The ideal candidate will have these preferred qualifications:

• A record of producing high-quality, accurate investigative and enterprise journalism.
• A strong understanding of FOIA, public records, data analysis, and accountability reporting tools.
• A deep curiosity about how power operates-and a willingness to challenge its abuses.
• An ability to build trust and source deeply, especially in historically underserved communities.
• Comfort working independently on a beat, but eager to collaborate and workshop big ideas.
• A passion for storytelling that combines accuracy, empathy, and urgency.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree is preferred.

Experience:

• At least 3-5 years of professional reporting experience is preferred.

Physical Activities

Remaining in a stationary position, often standing or sitting for prolonged periods.
Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
Communicating with others to exchange information.
Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands and/or fingers.

Operating motor vehicles.
Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.

Environmental Conditions
• Low temperatures.
• High temperatures.
• Outdoor elements such as precipitation and wind.
• Noisy environments.
• Hazardous conditions.

Physical Demands

Sedentary work that primarily involves sitting/standing.

Disclaimer

The above information on this description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this job.

The employer reserves the right to change or modify the job description as business needs dictate.