The Ida B. Wells Society for Investigative Reporting has partnered with the Miami Herald to launch its second newsroom partnership program to recruit and retain more experienced journalists of color into investigative reporting.
The Herald is currently seeking a seasoned journalist to join their storied investigative news team. The position is funded by the Society, a news trade organization, as part of its mission to increase the rank, retention and profile of journalists of color in accountability journalism. The Society entered into a partnership with the Herald for the program over the summer. Under the arrangement, the position will initially be funded by the Society as a fellowship for one year in exchange for a commitment from the Herald to hire permanently upon successful completion of the reporter’s first year.
The fellowship is an expansion of a program first launched at The Associated Press in January 2021. Serginho Roosblad was selected for the position at The Associated Press and joined their global investigative team as an investigative producer and reporter in June. He will continue on as a fellow at the organization until June 2022, when his position will become permanent staff.
“The Miami Herald is honored to be the newsroom selected for this partnership opportunity,” said Executive Editor Monica Richardson. “It is important that the people in our newsroom reflect the communities that we serve, especially in Miami, one of the nation’s most diverse geographic areas. Ultimately, this leads to greater strength and depth in our news coverage.”
In January 2021, Richardson was named the first Black executive editor in the Miami Herald’s history. She has been an advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion throughout her 30-year journalism career. She added that “investigative journalism has long been criticized for a lack of diversity in newsrooms across the country and this partnership represents a very intentional effort to do something about it.”
The Herald’s investigative legacy dates back for decades, from work that exposed mob influence in 1950s Miami to reporting that changed laws on how Florida treats its most vulnerable residents. More recently, their investigative team exposed the sweetheart deal that enabled serial sex offender Jeffrey Epstein to escape serious punishment, and led to the resignation of a member of President Trump’s cabinet.
The position with the Miami Herald pays $70,000 annually with health care, dental insurance and three weeks paid vacation. It reports to the Herald’s investigative editor. Ideal candidates will have two or more years of hard news reporting experience and demonstrate clear potential for digging into investigative stories. Those from historically underrepresented communities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Interested applicants can learn more about the position and apply online.
