Staff Writer

The Trace, in partnership with Block Club Chicago, is looking for a full-time staff writer to cover the impact of gun violence on Chicago’s neighborhoods.
The staff writer in this role, which is funded by The Trace but based in Block Club’s newsroom, will cover gun violence, public safety and justice in Chicago.
As the only media organization dedicated to reporting on gun violence, The Trace uses the power of nonprofit journalism to improve public understanding, increase accountability and identify solutions that can lead to safer homes and communities for all.
You can expect to publish 28 to 32 stories a year, a mix of deep beat reporting, spot reporting, and accountability work. The staff writer will work closely with Block Club Chicago’s reporters and be overseen by a Block Club editor, who the staff writer will check in with multiple times per day.
Stories can run the gamut from accountability pieces that question people in power or long-running programs to explanatory pieces and narrative stories. Your work may also include shorter news stories that other outlets might miss, but that are still important to our readers, such as the city’s transparency in its violence prevention work.
We also expect you to regularly file records requests, cultivate and maintain sources with a variety of viewpoints on this challenging beat, represent The Trace and Block Club within the community and in media appearances, and work as a collaborative member of our local team.
This position is based in Chicago, but reporters are expected to be out in the field and are able to work from home as needed. There will also be meetings and opportunities to work in Block Club’s Loop office.

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