Education Reporter

Date Posted	August 05, 2025
Industry	Digital Media
Specialty	Not Specified
Job Status	Full-time
Salary	$76,000 to $90,000

Description:

New York Focus is seeking a full-time education reporter to investigate state-level K-12 policy.

New York’s K-12 system serves 2.5 million students, spends more per pupil than any other, and includes the nation’s largest school district. This reporter will uncover the forces that shape this sprawling system and track their impact on students. They’ll scrutinize education spending, investigate how policy affects outcomes, and demystify how the school system operates.

In this role, you’ll pore through budgets, contracts, and school data to follow the money and evaluate how well it’s being spent; build robust sourcing among parents, teachers, administrators, and policymakers across the state; and produce a mix of long-term investigations, quick-turn scoops, and accessible explainers.

This position can be based anywhere in New York state. This is a two-year grant-supported position, with the possibility of renewal. Please submit a résumé, cover letter, and three clips to hires@nysfocus.com. Apply by August 25, 2025.

The ideal candidate will have:

• At least 5 years of reporting experience, including some education reporting
• Investigative and data skills, and a track record of impactful stories
• Clear and engaging writing
• Enthusiasm to take part in building a young, growing publication

About New York Focus

New York Focus is an independent newsroom investigating how power works in the Empire State. Since our October 2020 launch, our stories have spurred legislation, shaped regulation, and driven national news cycles. The newsroom is small and collaborative, and this job is a chance to be creative and enterprising in a workplace that encourages ambitious and in-depth storytelling. Read our profile in the New York Times to learn more about us.

We are committed to an inclusive workspace, and we strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. Consistent with federal, state, and local law, we are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, veteran status, or other protected categories.

Compensation

$76,000 to $90,000 annual salary, plus great benefits