Hearst Connecticut Media Group is staunchly committed to high-impact investigative journalism – journalism that unearths information otherwise hidden, provides in-depth analysis for readers, and frequently leads to positive societal change as a result of robust work on often systemic issues. 

To further our commitment to this journalism, HCMG is launching a new 3-year investigative fellowship position. The role has been launched in memory of Chip Malafronte, a longtime member of the HCMG and New Haven Register sports department, who passed away on August 12, 2020 after a long battle with cancer. He was 48.

 

Focus: This important fellowship provides a passionate and curious journalist an opportunity to produce impactful investigative reporting on matters of significant public interest, focusing on the intersection of government transparency, the First Amendment and issues of importance impacting the daily lives of people across the state of Connecticut. 

Another aspect of the fellowship includes a national journalism focus. During each of the three years, the fellow will take a national lens to an issue of utmost importance to people in Connecticut – and across the country. Year one will look at the complex issues surrounding school safety, and what can be done to protect students in the future. 

The local and national work will both be done with the goal of surfacing and sharing data and information, with a strong eye on transparency, to help inform readers’ everyday lives, while providing deepened reporting in a multitude of ways. 

The work will be issue-oriented, yet strongly people-focused. It will have significant multi-media components and examine not only on problems, but solutions. The fellow will produce content that provides readers with useful information on Freedom of Information laws and public access to records and meetings and will invite input from readers on issues of concern.

Reporting will be focused on accountability journalism on the local and statewide level with possible collaborations across Hearst, with other newspapers and television properties, while also exploring the outside partnership possibilities to help further this work.

Stories will explore how local and state government makes information and access available to Connecticut residents in key areas including:

-              Public health and safety

-              Education

-              Government transparency 

 

Structure: A 3-year program with strong senior editor involvement and opportunity for collaboration with the Hearst Newspapers’ development hub, data reporters, investigative reporters and audience team. This position reports to a senior newsroom leader, adept at investigative and open government reporting. While participation in the 3-year program is not a guarantee of future employment, our goal is to recruit candidates who eventually would join our full-time newsroom staff.  

The successful candidate will have opportunities for growth. For example, we will support their participation in industry conferences or specialist trainings, as well as support areas such as travel to deepen the coverage for the national journalism work. These areas will be dependent on manager approval, with input from the fellow.

 

Requirements & Qualifications: 

Open to early-career reporters, ideally with 1-2 years of experience, with flexibility based on individual cases. Experience writing deepened news reports, especially investigative in nature, with demonstrated impact  Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in journalism, English, communications or related field preferred  Demonstrated success working in a deadline-driven environment Highly organized and detail-oriented with a proven ability to effectively juggle multiple tasks Ability to speak a second language like Spanish a plus Valid driver’s license and a working vehicle are required for this position This role is based in Connecticut, candidates will work at either our Norwalk, or Meriden, office location. The role requires at least three days a week working in one of these office locations, and two can be spent working from home.

 

Applications: 

Deadline: Applications are due by October 18, 2024. Please provide a resume, cover letter, and supporting letters. To be considered you must attach all required documents in PDF format in our jobs portal: 

One-page resume that includes academic major and minor, date or expected date of graduation, permanent and current addresses, email, website, and social media addresses  One additional page that includes links to digital work samples  Cover letter no longer than two pages highlighting your qualifications and making your case for becoming an investigative fellow Three work references including titles, email addresses and phone numbers Two letters of recommendation Candidates must be authorized to work in the U.S. for the entire 3-year term of the fellowship. At this time, we cannot sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment visa for candidates. 

 

Perks & Benefits: Hearst offers many supportive benefits designed to help you and your family safeguard your physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing in different life moments.

Comprehensive Healthcare: Medical, Dental, and Vision coverage to keep you and your family healthy. 401(k) Matching: Secure your future with our competitive retirement plan matching program. Generous Paid Time Off: Recharge with ample time off, including holidays and vacation. Paid Parental Leave: Support for growing families, with paid leave for new parents. Monthly Child & Dependent Care Reimbursement: Financial support for the care of your loved ones. Emotional & Mental Wellness Support: Prioritizing your well-being through counseling, therapy, and mental health resources. LGBTQ+ & Inclusive Health Services: Inclusive healthcare designed for every individual’s unique needs. Fertility Coverage & Menopause Support: Helping you along every step of your family journey. Personalized Fitness & Wellness Plans: Tailored fitness programs and wellness initiatives to suit your lifestyle. Pet Wellness Reimbursement & Rover Credits: We care about your pets, too – helping you keep them happy and healthy. Click here for additional benefits and details.

 

About Hearst Connecticut Media Group: 

Hearst Connecticut Media Group has around 130 newsroom staff, with journalists covering breaking news, high school and UConn sports, politics, business, statewide issues, food and trending topics. The fellow’s work would appear on the statewide site CTInsider.com and across our network where applicable.

HCMG is committed to growing and retaining a more diverse workforce that better reflects the communities we serve. We strongly encourage all people of working age, who are traditionally underrepresented in media to apply, including women, people of color, applicants with disabilities, those from the LGBTQ+ community and veterans.

Some great candidates may not check all the boxes for this role. If you’re a passionate, dedicated worker who's interested in Hearst Connecticut Media Group but don’t have all the skills listed here, please still reach out and tell us more about what you bring to the table. Here's a look at Hearst CT's 2023 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion report.

This fellowship is not eligible for remote candidates.