Staff Writer, FactCheck.org

Position Number: 7051166
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Position Type: Communications - Journalism

Staff Writer, FactCheck.org

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title
Staff Writer, FactCheck.org

Job Profile Title
Staff Writer D

Job Description Summary
FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Established in 2003, FactCheck.org aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.

SciCheck, a project of FactCheck.org, focuses exclusively on false and misleading claims about science and health. It was launched in January 2015.

This new staff writer position requires a reporter with strong experience covering health care policy. The writer will research and write articles for FactCheck.org's SciCheck project, as well as FactCheck.org's core political coverage. The writer must have strong research skills and the ability to write clearly and concisely on complex topics, work independently, collaborate well with others, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple assignments at once.

The staff writer will monitor statements from major political players and political health policy appointees and write articles on the factual accuracy of their claims concerning federal health programs, health policy legislation, public health and related topics, as well as other political claims unrelated to health care. The position requires experience covering these issues, and knowledge of the legislative process.

In the upcoming midterm elections, the focus will be on campaign themes concerning health policy and other claims made in key Senate races. FactCheck.org reporters often cover a wide range of subject matter as needed.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

Research and report on federal health care policy and public health issues, as well as general political topics.
Write clearly and concisely, explaining why statements made by politicians and political appointees are inaccurate.
Write explanatory articles that distill complex issues for a general audience.
Monitor various forms of communication by federal officeholders and identify statements based on facts to be researched.
Monitor federal campaign messaging to identify health care and other political claims and common themes.
Identify and use the best evidence - i.e., appropriate expert sources, government and independent analyses, scientific research.
Collaborate on stories with multiple bylines. Collaborate on creating social media posts.
Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Term/funding

This is a new, limited-term position for three years. Continuation of the position beyond three years is contingent on project funding, organizational needs, and performance.

Work Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with in-person work on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia required on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday each week. Fully remote applicants will not be considered.

Qualifications

Bachelor's degree
Five to seven years of experience in journalism minimum, including strong experience writing about health care policy
Ability to write clearly, concisely and accurately on complicated subjects
Ability to work with statistics and other quantitative research
Ability to work on multiple projects on deadline
Knowledge of the federal legislative process
Knowledge of WordPress or similar content management system
Background/education in science or public health a plus
Experience writing about scientific topics a plus

Pay Type

Full-time

Hours per week

40

Pay

Salary range in posting: $76,000-$80,000

Application Requirements

Resume
Cover Letter
Three Writing Samples

Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School
Annenberg School for Communication

Pay Range
$76,000.00 - $80,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate's qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, and in alignment with salary ranges based on external market data for the job's level. Internal organization and peer data at Penn are also considered.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Special Requirements
Background checks may be required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family's health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn's Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family-whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you're newly hired, you won't have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That's why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University's libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There's always something going on at Penn, whether it's a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you're right in the middle of the excitement-and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state, or local law.

To apply, visit https://wd1.myworkdaysite.com/en-US/recruiting/upenn/careers-at-penn/job/Annenberg-Public-Policy-Center/Staff-Writer--FactCheckorg_JR00118413

Job Details

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