Data Journalism Faculty Opening (Newhouse/TRAC)

We are seeking a data journalist for a faculty position in the Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University to increase our capacity to document the day-to-day actions of federal agencies under the new Trump Administration. Election promises and the line-up of nominees set to head federal agencies suggest that many government policies may be heading for drastic change. And so far our new President has demonstrated little commitment to openness and transparency, so one can anticipate the need for a vigorous, expertly crafted, FOIA campaign in which this new faculty member will play an active role.

TRAC is a well-tested 27-year-old veteran of this oversight effort and one that includes directing the FOIA Project. It was established to provide the American people with the authoritative and accurate information they need to hold their government accountable. The Center is unique in the information marketplace, focusing on what federal agencies are actually doing and not what they merely claim to be doing. With an incoming volume of over 250 million data records each month from its successful FOIA operations, TRAC adds more than 3 billion new records to its inventory each year – all ready to be mined.

The successful applicant needs a driving passion for holding government accountable. The official title is Research Professor of Data and Investigative Journalism, and the description of the position, qualifications, and how to apply is here. The position is also described in a recent posting to IRE by Jodi Upton, Knight Chair in Data and Explanatory Journalism at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School.

Any questions? Feel free to write us (trac@syr.edu) or call David Burnham (202-518-9020) or Sue Long (315-443-3563).

David Burnham and Susan B. Long, Co-Directors
Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse
Syracuse University
Suite 360, Newhouse II
Syracuse, NY 13244-2100