Data Reporter, Polling and Campaigns

NBC News is seeking a versatile and experienced journalist to cover polling, elections and other political data, including demographic shifts.

In this role, you will work closely with the director of elections, the Decision Desk team, NBC News’ chief data analyst and the Digital Politics team. Your primary mission is to use data to surface smart, original insights into how Americans are thinking and feeling about their elected officials and the issues that affect their lives and shape their votes — and to help explain what happens on pivotal election nights across multiple digital and linear platforms, including newsletter formats.   

You might have a formal political scientist background. You might be a reporter with an aptitude for statistics. Either way, you must have a track record of authoring thoughtful, nonpartisan, fact-based analysis of public opinion surveys and vote data for a news organization. You must also be a sharp writer, with a knack for translating complex matters to a broad audience. 

Ideally, you have the ability to zoom in on significant data points while capturing larger themes and trends to tell us why what you’re seeing matters. You have experience authoring and explaining methodologies. You have strong knowledge of election procedures, statistical data sets, and geographical and demographic considerations, and some experience or familiarity with standard visualization and data tools. 

You should hate to be beat by the competition when it comes to smart angles. You should also take direction well and be able to execute on the ideas of others. Above all, you are collaborative and eager to work with NBC News colleagues across the organization as we build on our best-in-class election data operation.

This job is based in New York, and will involve being comfortable reporting across NBC News’ many platforms. Your work will help anchor our new subscription service, including but not limited to contributing to newsletters, live chats, and other audience engagement opportunities. The role will report to the director of data and election experiences. 

Responsiblities

• Pitch, execute or contribute to 1-2 quick-turn pieces of original analysis per week (video, newsletter, or other formats)

• Pitch, execute or contribute to tentpole enterprise projects related to elections

• Coordinate and collaborate closely with multiple teams across NBC News