Open Campus Fellow

Job Description

The Flatwater Free Press is Nebraska’s first independent, nonpartisan, nonprofit newsroom devoted to investigative and enterprise reporting that matters to Nebraskans. We tell deeply reported stories that expose systemic issues and highlight the people and institutions shaping our state.

We believe a healthier, better-informed Nebraska begins with accessible, independent journalism. We strengthen the state’s news ecosystem by investigating critical statewide issues and publishing them on our popular channels and then sharing them with every media outlet in the state. .

Open Campus is a national nonprofit news organization dedicated to investigating and elevating higher education by combining the sophistication of a national newsroom that knows a topic deeply with the engagement of a local newsroom that knows a place deeply.

The Open Campus Community College Project is an investigative initiative focused on American community colleges -- the most local and least-covered part of higher education. Flatwater Free Press is proud to serve as a host newsroom.

This is a unique opportunity for an enterprising reporter to be a key member of the Flatwater Free Press news team and the Open Campus community college accountability initiative.

Nebraska's community colleges are sprinkled throughout the state, educating tens of thousands of students in our biggest cities in Omaha and Lincoln and also in more rural spots like the Sandhills and the Nebraska Panhandle. This reporter will examine and scrutinize how these two-year institutions work for Nebraskans, probing their performance, governance, funding, and real-world outcomes. The role will also examine the crucial economic, civic and workforce development roles the community college system plays across the state.

Working alongside Open Campus investigative editors and Flatwater Free Press leadership, this reporter will identify high-impact community college issues to provide better understanding and accountability for students and communities. In addition to investigative reporting and writing, the position will help translate investigative findings into readable stories digestible and accessible forms for all audiences.

The investigative reporter will also spearhead partnerships with other media outlets and community groups across Nebraska to amplify the work.

• Apply an accountability lens to community college reporting, devising unique and compelling pitches in partnership with the Open Campus investigative team.
• Report and write accountability and explanatory stories about many facets of Nebraska’s community college systems, technical programs, and state workforce pipelines.
• Leverage data and public records (including Nebraska public records laws, budget filings, and state/federal education datasets) to strengthen investigative reporting.
• Work closely with Open Campus and Flatwater Free Press staff.
• Collaborate with media partners and community organizations across Nebraska.
• Receive specialized training from experts in the field focused on investigative reporting, records requests, data analysis, and higher education coverage.

The ideal candidate should be able to demonstrate a range of skills, though we do not expect the same level of strength across all categories. We’re looking for candidates with much of the following:

• Strong reporting and writing skills
• Experience using data and public records.
• Strong news judgment and a demonstrated ability to develop sources.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adhere to editorial guidelines.
• Strong interest in connecting with diverse and underserved communities across Nebraska.
• A collaborative spirit, curiosity, generosity and coachability.
• An experimental mindset and an appreciation for new and creative ways to provide news and information.
• Salary: Starting at $55,000, with compensation dependent on experience and skills.
• Term: This is a 12-month (one-year) fellowship position
• Location: Remote within Nebraska, with options for working out of our local hubs in Omaha, Lincoln or Kearney, or anywhere in the state.
• Benefits: Flatwater Free Press offers competitive benefits focused on employee well-being, including health, dental, and vision insurance, paid holidays, vacation and personal time off, tech/equipment stipends, and continuous professional development.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis. Please submit a resume, cover letter detailing your interest in covering Nebraska's community colleges for Flatwater Free Press, and 3–4 clips demonstrating your investigative or enterprise work.
 

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