Mental Health Project Reporter

The Seattle Times, a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper and one of the few remaining independent news organizations in the country, is launching a team to cover mental and behavioral health. This is a two-year, community-funded project that will combine in-depth reporting – including explanatory, investigative and solutions-oriented coverage -- with an ambitious community-engagement effort that has impact in the region and statewide.

We’re looking for two experienced Reporters who can use sophisticated interviewing, investigative and database skills to illuminate problems and find the most promising solutions – then turn those findings into engaging narratives and other forms of storytelling. We want you to use empathy to bring new voices to our coverage, to consider engagement as you work, and to coordinate closely with photographers and graphic artists to add impact to your work.

Successful candidates will have experience covering sensitive social issues and complex systems of interwoven governmental and nonprofit agencies. Experience covering mental health issues, programs and policies is a plus.

Please note: this is a community-funded position and is subject to grant renewal. While renewal is anticipated, funding for this role is not guaranteed. As such, this is considered to be a two-year role. To learn more about our grant-funded projects, click here.

Responsibilities

• Be curious and widely read about mental health issues, and be ready with a diverse, ever-growing story list that mixes daily stories with longer-term enterprise, solutions and watchdog pieces.
• Report with humanity: Use good, empathetic interview techniques to gain a better understanding of your story and the people in it.
• Write with authority based on understanding of your subject matter. Write with a flair that shows your excellent command of language. Self-edit for crisp, clean copy on multiple platforms.
• Produce enterprise stories and stay ahead of news by anticipating or uncovering developments.
• Be comfortable filing public records requests and flexing your investigative muscles on a daily basis.
• Analyze databases to find your own story ideas.
• Collaborate with reporting teams around the newsroom, where issues of mental and behavioral health intersect with subjects like education and homelessness.
• Work closely with photographers and graphic artists to illustrate and produce packages with humanity and impact.
• Pitch solutions stories that interrogate responses to problems.
• Prioritize inclusive coverage, developing a range of sources and story ideas that represent the rich cultural diversity of our region.
• Engagement is baked into our DNA, so it should be part of your reporting. It might include public (or Zoom) speaking, facilitating conversations in person or on social media or other events. We’re interested in experimenting, so we want your creative ideas for how we can better interact with our community.

Qualifications

We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive newsroom and encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply. If your profile does not match this job description exactly, you may still be a candidate for this position. Please let us know how your skills and experience relate to the role and its objectives in your cover letter.

• Experience: A minimum of four years’ reporting experience, preferably at a metropolitan daily news organization. Direct experience covering mental health is a plus.
• Education: College graduate or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Be a good team member. We pride ourselves on trusting and supporting each other, and being flexible during unexpected moments of need.
• Demonstrate unimpeachable ethics, accuracy, journalistic standards and familiarity with inclusive journalism practices.
• Ability to analyze facts and make judgments about relevance, newsworthiness, fairness, etc., under pressure and on deadline.
• Cultural competence and awareness of best practices related to inclusive journalism.

This position requires you to join a union and pay ongoing union dues each month. In addition, you will be required to undergo a drug screen for controlled substances (including marijuana) and a criminal background check once an offer has been made.

Founded in 1896, The Seattle Times continues its tradition as a family-owned, independent newspaper that cuts through the clutter and provides readers with timely, relevant news. As the largest newsroom in the Pacific Northwest, we serve the region with thoughtful journalism that makes a real difference in our community. And as a media solutions company, Seattle Times Media Solutions combines cutting-edge digital capabilities and service with the values and integrity of respected traditional media… with an established audience of 1.9 million. At The Seattle Times, you’ll find work that matters.

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