Rural Health Reporter

ArkansasDemocrat-Gazette Rural Health ReporterLocation:

LittleRock, ArkansasJob Type:

Non-exempt, full-time, in-office positionRural health across America is in crisis, and few placesface greater challenges than Arkansas, where 63 of 75 counties are consideredfully rural.

Fueled by deep poverty, health woes across rural Arkansasinclude high rates of infant mortality, chronic disease and obesity. The systemis ill-equipped to help. People commonly travel 30 miles for care. Nearly 70%of the state's 47 rural hospitals are considered vulnerable to closure and asmany as 30 regularly lose money.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is seeking a rural healthreporter to join a three-person health team (Health Beat Lab Editor and Maternal & Child Health Reporter) to deliver data-driven journalismand people-centered storytelling through a public health, accountability andcommunity-impact lens. This work will enhance understanding and increaseaccountability for those who make the critical decisions affecting the lives offamilies.

We're looking for a journalist with the smarts and savvy towade through the bureaucratic jargon and sea of statistics that dominate healthand science to paint a clear picture of what the numbers show. We want thehuman stories that show us what the numbers mean. And we want the insights ofthe providers on rural health's front lines.

This job will require a unique combination of traits — theability to learn, understand and translate data; the development of knowledgeand insight so that we can gain perspective from those inside the system; andthe application of human empathy and reportorial and writing skill to capturethe stories of the people of rural Arkansas.

If you know the topic or are ready to devote yourself tomastering it, if you are curious and compassionate, if you are equally adept atdigging into data and talking to people in far-flung rural communities; if youare ready to deliver numbers-supported, people-centered storytelling, we wantto hear from you.

ResponsibilitiesBecome an expert in rural health across both the UnitedStates and ArkansasDevelop a wide range of sources both inside and outside thesystem across rural ArkansasFind stories that capture the essence of the issues inArkansas' rural health systemScour relevant data and public records to deliver criticalcontext and substanceMeet regularly with key sources on your beat so that youalways know the direction of rural health in ArkansasGenerate a high volume of deliverable ideasProduce a regular cycle of hard-news, enterprise andinvestigative reporting that brings insight to our readersExcel at human-centered storytelling that puts faces to thenumbers you findWrite tight prose that enhances understandingShow us the big picture of health in rural ArkansasContribute to newsletters, social media, video or othermultimedia storytelling as neededMeet the highest possible standards for journalism,accountability reporting, writing, storytelling and multimedia presentations.

PreferredQualificationsBachelor's degree in journalism, communications, or relatedfield requiredA proven track record of impactful rural health reportingDemonstrated ability to analyze and contextualize data andresearchUnderstanding of healthcare systems and public health issuesKnowledge of disparities affecting rural, low-income andhistorically underserved communitiesCollaborative mindset and strong audience awarenessAbout Arkansas HealthBeatThis position is among the first being filled as part ofArkansas Health Beat, a new statewide health reporting lab. Arkansas HealthBeat will produce impactful, community-centered journalism focused onhealthcare access, public health, accountability and the systems shaping thewellbeing of Arkansans.

The rural health reporter will be part of a three-personteam devoted to serious, impactful reporting on the issues affecting thewellbeing of people across Arkansas. The other positions for which we are hiringinclude an editor and a reporter covering maternal health and child care.

We offer a complete benefits package that includes paidvacation, holidays, sick leave, personal days, and parental leave. Takeadvantage of extensive health, dental, vision, and other insurance coverage, aswell as long-term disability and retirement plans for your future well-being. We support your well-being through the EmployeeAssistance Program and Behavioral Health support, offering extra help wheneveryou need it.

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette is an equal opportunityemployer and does not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sexincluding pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity, national origin,disability, age 40 or older, or genetic information, including family medicalhistory or any other legally protected class or status.

This is a safety-sensitive position. A candidate must pass adrug screening and background checks and have a driving record that meetsrequirements set in the "Personal Vehicle Used for Company Business" policy.