Freelance Investigative Journalist Opportunity

The Chicago Reporter

About The Chicago Reporter
Since 1972, The Chicago Reporter has served as the “conscience of Chicago,” investigating race, poverty, and social inequality with fearless, independent journalism. Our investigations have sparked policy changes, led to multi-billion dollar settlements, and exposed systemic inequalities affecting communities across Chicago and beyond. We continue our founder John A. McDermott’s mission to “tell it like it is” through rigorous investigative reporting that speaks truth to power.

What We’re Seeking
The Chicago Reporter is seeking experienced freelance investigative journalists to contribute to our mission of exposing injustice and driving meaningful reform. We’re looking for reporters who can deliver investigations that are revelatory or substantially advance understanding of critical issues affecting Chicago’s communities, particularly communities of color and those experiencing economic hardship.

Investigation Criteria
Successful proposals should demonstrate investigations that:

  • Have clear potential for impact: Your investigation should identify problems, responsible parties, and pathways for change, with the potential to trigger needed reforms
  • Show demonstrable harm: The investigation must clearly illustrate how the issue causes real harm to individuals or communities
  • Address broader relevance: While investigations may be rooted in specific Chicago neighborhoods or focus on particular individuals, they should illuminate issues of wider significance
  • Present a clear hypothesis: The strongest proposals are based on substantial preliminary reporting—you should know something problematic is happening, not merely suspect it
  • Focus on our core coverage areas: Housing and economic development, criminal justice reform, education equity, environmental justice, healthcare disparities, municipal government accountability, and community organizing

What Your Proposal Should Include
Investigation Overview:

  • Detailed description of your proposed investigation topic
  • Specific anecdotes, data, and documents you have already gathered
  • Clear explanation of what you expect to find and potential accountability stories
  • Description of the broader impact and reform potential

Methodology and Resources:

  • Detailed breakdown of investigation requirements: data analysis, travel, public records requests, specialized expertise needed
  • Documentation of data, documents, and source relationships you already possess
  • Timeline and scope of work anticipated

Your Qualifications:

  • Explanation of why you are uniquely positioned to conduct this investigation
  • Relevant experience, expertise, and community connections
  • Previous investigative work and its impact

Compensation and Terms
For accepted proposals and published articles, The Chicago Reporter offers competitive freelance rates of $350-$400 and covers legitimate reporting expenses. Freelancers work as independent contractors and are responsible for applicable tax obligations.

Our Commitment to Diversity
The Chicago Reporter is dedicated to building a newsroom that reflects the communities we serve. We are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage applications from members of traditionally underrepresented communities, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and people with disabilities. We are an equal opportunity organization and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind.

Application Process
We welcome applications from journalists who may not fit traditional molds but bring important skills and perspectives to investigative journalism. If you have valuable experience or insights that could strengthen our mission, we encourage you to apply.We review applications on a rolling basis and aim to notify candidates about their proposals within four weeks of submission.

How to Apply
Submit your investigative proposal and qualifications through our application form:
Apply Here: Chicago Reporter Freelance Investigation Proposal

Questions?
Please submit all applications through the form above—no phone calls, please.

The Chicago Reporter is housed at the Community Renewal Society, a faith-based social justice organization, and has been investigating issues of race, poverty, and inequality in Chicago for over 50 years. Our work continues to drive policy changes and hold powerful institutions accountable to the communities they serve.

The Chicago Reporter Internship Program

Investigative Journalism or Community Engagement & Digital Media
Now Accepting Applications for Summer, Fall, and Spring Programs

About The Program
The Chicago Reporter Internship Program is designed to cultivate the next generation of
investigative journalists committed to covering issues that matter to Chicago’s diverse
communities. This comprehensive program combines hands-on reporting experience with
mentorship, skill development, and a deep understanding of community-centered journalism.

Program Details:
● Summer Program: 12 weeks, 20-30 hours/week
● Fall/Spring Programs: 16 weeks, 15-20 hours/week
● Positions Available: 3-5 interns per semester
● Location: Hybrid (Chicago Reporter offices + community fieldwork)

Two Specialized Tracks
Track 1: Investigative Reporting Interns (2-3 positions)
Work directly with our Investigative Editor on ongoing investigations while learning data
journalism, public records research, and source development. Focus areas include:
● Politics & Governance: Local Politics, National Politics, Legal Justice
● Community & Social Issues: In The Neighborhood, Healthcare, Health Justice,

Climate Justice
● Family & Development: Child & Family Education
● Infrastructure & Living: Housing, Transportation
● Perspectives: From the Publisher, Columnists

Track 2: Community Engagement & Digital Media Interns (1-2 positions)
Develop community outreach strategies, create multimedia storytelling projects (podcasts,
video, graphics), and manage reader engagement initiatives.

What You’ll Learn
Core Skills Development:
● Conduct thorough investigative research using public records, data analysis, and source interviews
● Write compelling, accurate stories that serve the public interest and reflect community voices
● Navigate ethical considerations in reporting on sensitive community issues
● Use digital tools effectively for research, fact-checking, and multimedia storytelling
● Build meaningful relationships with community sources and stakeholders
● Understand Chicago’s civic landscape including government structures and local issues

Program Structure:
● Weeks 1-2: Orientation covering Chicago journalism history, ethics, FOIA training, and data journalism basics
● Weeks 3-12/16: Active reporting with weekly editorial meetings, field work, and writing workshops
● Monthly specialized workshops on source development, data analysis, and multimedia storytelling

Mentorship & Support
Every intern receives:
● Individual mentorship from experienced staff members
● Weekly one-on-one meetings for guidance and feedback
● Monthly group sessions with editors and guest speakers from Chicago media and
community organizations
● Job placement support and career counseling
● Access to our alumni network

Publication Opportunities
Interns will have the opportunity to:
● Publish bylined articles in The Chicago Reporter
● Contribute to special investigation series
● Create content for community newsletters and social media
● Participate in collaborative reporting projects
● Complete significant final projects for publication

Community Engagement
Real-World Experience:
● Partner with local organizations on story development
● Attend community meetings and public forums
● Participate in neighborhood listening sessions
● Track city council meetings and local government decisions
● Monitor public spending and development projects
● Follow up on previous Chicago Reporter investigations

Eligibility & Requirements
Who Can Apply:
● Current undergraduate or graduate students in journalism, communications, or related fields
● Recent graduates (within 2 years)
● Strong commitment to community-centered journalism
● Basic writing and research skills demonstrated through portfolio

Application Materials Required:

  1. Resume highlighting relevant experience
  2. Cover letter (500 words) explaining your interest in investigative journalism and The Chicago Reporter’s mission
  3. Writing portfolio (3-5 clips demonstrating reporting and writing skills)
  4. Story pitch (250 words) proposing an investigation relevant to Chicago communities
  5. Two references from professors, employers, or journalism professionals

Application Deadlines
● Summer Program: Applications due March 15
○ Interviews: Late March | Decisions: April 15
● Fall Program: Applications due July 15
○ Interviews: Early August | Decisions: August 15
● Spring Program: Applications due November 15
○ Interviews: Early December | Decisions: December 15

Our Mission & Impact
We’re committed to:
● Diversifying Chicago’s media landscape by training journalists from underrepresented communities
● Strengthening community accountability reporting through sustained investigation of local issues
● Building bridges between newsrooms and communities through engagement-focused journalism
● Creating sustainable career pathways for journalists interested in community-centered reporting

Partnership Network
Media Partners: The Marshall Project, Austin Weekly
Community Partners: Local community development corporations, neighborhood advocacy organizations
Academic Partners: Northwestern University Medill School, Harry S. Truman College

Ready to Apply? NO PHONE CALLS OR EMAILS
APPLY NOW by clicking the link and completing the form

The Chicago Reporter is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds, particularly those from communities underrepresented in journalism. Join us in building the future of investigative journalism in Chicago.