FiveThirtyEight is expanding its economics coverage, and we’re looking for an economics writer and a freelance personal finance columnist to join our team.
The economics writer will be responsible for a mix of short, news-driven items (“How Donald Trump’s New Tax Plan Would Affect Low-Wage Workers”) and longer features about economic issues and trends (“How Robots Are Changing The Service Sector”). We define economics broadly at FiveThirtyEight: In the past, we’ve covered education, energy, demographics and even game theory. Experience covering economics or some related beat is preferred; a proven ability to pick up new subjects quickly is a must.
This is a job for a reporter; if your first instinct when you come across a new subject is to pick up the phone, this position could be right for you. Advanced data skills are not required, but candidates should have a solid knowledge of Excel or similar programs and be comfortable writing about and evaluating statistical arguments. This is a part-time staff position (up to 29 hours per week) and does not offer benefits.
The personal finance columnist will write a regular feature on topics such as saving, investing, managing debt and paying for college (schedule and frequency to be determined). We’re looking for someone who can think creatively about what a personal finance column can be; we don’t want every column to be a twist on, “Invest in low-fee index funds.” This column will target a broad audience, so an ability to connect with readers who aren’t directly affected by the subject being discussed is essential. This is a freelance, not a staff, position.
Candidates for either position should send a résumé and a cover letter with a full story pitch to economics [at] fivethirtyeight.com. Please put “FiveThirtyEight economics writer job” or “FiveThirtyEight personal finance columnist job” in the subject line. We’ll be in touch within two weeks if we’re interested in speaking with you.