Investigative Reporters and Editors

Freelance Documentary Associate Producer

NEW YORK, NYPosted 30+ days ago

Job summary

  • Job post source

    This job is directly from Investigative Reporters and Editors (Law&Crime Network)

  • Job overview

    The Freelance Documentary Associate Producer role supports Emmy-winning investigative journalists in producing true crime documentaries for major streaming and broadcast platforms, contributing to impactful long-form storytelling.

  • Responsibilities and impact

    The Associate Producer assists with story development, research, editing, and post-production tasks including producing transcripts, footage logs, obtaining court documents, and archival research, ensuring meticulous record keeping and rights clearance.

  • Compensation and benefits

    This is a freelance temp-hire position with a starting salary of $750 per week, with pay commensurate with experience; no specific benefits mentioned.

  • Experience and skills

    Candidates should have a graduate degree in journalism or filmmaking or equivalent experience, strong research, reporting, producing, and writing skills, with preferred experience in criminal justice reporting.

  • Career development

    This entry-level position is ideal for recent graduates or early career journalists seeking to build a career in criminal justice and long-form documentary production within a small, veteran-led team.

  • Work environment and culture

    The company culture is described as small and collegial, led by veteran journalists, fostering an energetic and creative work environment with potential for hybrid work under special circumstances.

  • Company information

    Investigative Reporters and Editors operates the Law&Crime Network, producing investigative and true crime content seen on major platforms like Netflix, HBO Max, and Hulu, led by Emmy-winning journalists.

  • Team overview

    The candidate will join a small production team led by experienced investigative journalists Brian Ross and Rhonda Schwartz, emphasizing collaboration and creativity.

  • Job location and travel

    The position is based in New York City at the Law&Crime Network with consideration for hybrid work in special cases.

  • Unique job features

    The role offers unique opportunities to work on true crime documentaries with Emmy-winning journalists and access to major streaming platforms, ideal for those interested in criminal justice reporting.

Company overview

Investigative Reporters and Editors (IRE) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of investigative journalism by providing training, resources, and a collaborative network for reporters, editors, and students. Founded in 1975 and based at the Missouri School of Journalism, IRE generates revenue through membership fees, training workshops, conferences, and grants from foundations supporting press freedom and investigative work. The organization is known for its annual NICAR (National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting) conference, which advances data journalism skills. IRE also maintains the IRE Resource Center, a vast archive of investigative stories and tip sheets, and is recognized for its role in advocating for transparency and ethical reporting standards. Candidates should be aware of IRE’s influential role in shaping investigative journalism practices and its commitment to professional development within the media industry.

How to land this job

  • Position your resume to highlight your graduate degree in journalism or filmmaking, or equivalent experience, emphasizing your research, reporting, producing, and writing skills relevant to long form documentary production.

  • Focus on showcasing any experience or strong interest in the criminal justice system and investigative journalism, as these align with the core mission of Investigative Reporters and Editors and the Law&Crime Network.

  • Apply through multiple channels including the Investigative Reporters and Editors corporate website, the Law&Crime Network job portal if available, and LinkedIn to maximize your visibility for the freelance Associate Producer role.

  • Connect with current producers and investigative journalists at Investigative Reporters and Editors on LinkedIn; use ice breakers like commenting on recent true crime documentaries they produced or expressing enthusiasm for their Emmy award-winning investigative work.

  • Optimize your resume for ATS by incorporating keywords such as 'long form documentary production,' 'research,' 'reporting,' 'FOIA requests,' 'post production,' and 'court documents' to ensure your application passes initial screenings.

  • Use Jennie Johnson's Power Apply feature to automate tailored applications across platforms, identify relevant LinkedIn connections for networking, and optimize your resume for ATS, allowing you to focus your time on preparing for interviews and deepening your industry knowledge.

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