Duration: Funding secured for four years (with potential for extension)
About the Fellowship

The Central Valley Journalism Collaborative (CVJC) and the Fresno State Institute for Media and Public Trust have established a Health Care Reporting Fellowship in California's San Joaquin Valley. The fellowship is a full-time health care reporting position within CVJC dedicated to producing comprehensive coverage of critical health issues impacting the Valley. We’re looking for am experienced journalist to work in collaboration with a Fresno State student who will assist with research and data analysis. The fellowship is funded for four years through generous grants from the Institute for Media and Public Trust, the California Health Care Foundation, The California Endowment, and the James B. McClatchy Foundation. Partner news organizations will distribute the journalism produced by the fellow, ensuring this important news reaches as wide an audience as possible. The fellow also will collaborate with CVJC’s existing Health Equity Lab.

Key responsibilities

• Reporting and writing: Produce in-depth stories, investigative pieces, and multimedia content on health care issues specific to the central San Joaquin Valley. Topics may include access to care, public health initiatives, health disparities, environmental health issues, and the impact of demographics on health care delivery..
• Collaboration: Work with a student journalist from Fresno State who will assist with in-depth research and data analysis. 
• Mentorship: Collaborate with a student journalist from Fresno State who will assist with in-depth research and data analysis. Provide guidance, mentorship, and training to help the student develop skills in health care journalism.
• Community engagement: Engage with local communities to understand their health care needs and issues. Attend community meetings, health care forums, and other relevant events to gather information and build sources.
• Resource utilization: Utilize resources provided by the fellowship, including access to data, experts, and training opportunities, to enhance the quality and depth of reporting projects.

Qualifications

• Experience: Mid-career journalist with a strong background in reporting, preferably with experience in health care journalism or a related field.
• Skills: Excellent writing, research, and analytical skills. Proficiency in data journalism and multimedia storytelling is a plus.
• Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Collaboration: Ability to work collaboratively with students, editors, sources and community members. Strong mentoring skills and a commitment to development.
• Cultural competence: Strong understanding of the cultural, social, and economic factors affecting San Joaquin Valley communities.
• Technical skills: Proficiency in multimedia journalism tools and platforms, including video production, photography, and social media.
• Research skills: Ability to conduct thorough research and present complex information in an accessible and engaging manner.
• Interpersonal skills: Excellent interviewing skills and the ability to build rapport with diverse sources.
• Education: A degree in journalism, communications, or equivalent experience.
• Travel: This hybrid position is based in Fresno, CA. Driving to other Central Valley/San Joaquin Valley locations will be required.

Bonus Points for:

• Language proficiency: Fluency in Spanish and English, with excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages, 
• Multi-platform experience: Podcasting, photography, video production or data visualization.
• Social media competency: Experience using social platforms such as Whatsapp to develop sources and reach coverage communities.

Fellowship components

• Resources and training: Access to data, health care experts, and professional development opportunities.
• Student researcher: Work with a student journalist from Fresno State who will serve as a research assistant. Offer mentorship and training sessions to help the student develop skills and contribute effectively.
• Evaluation: Participate in regular evaluations to assess the effectiveness and impact of the fellowship program. Provide feedback to identify strengths, challenges, and areas for improvement.

Compensation and Benefits 

• Full-time exempt position with starting salary of $75k-85k annually with excellent benefits (100% medical coverage for employees, 50% coverage for dependents) provided to qualified candidates who meet the minimum requirements 
• Professional development, training, and conferences offered for staff
• Starting at two weeks of vacation with generous sick, holidays and additional personal days to use as needed 
• Retirement with employer contribution
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate
• Professional development, training, and conferences offered for staff in related professional field 
• Mileage reimbursement will be provided

CVJC is an equal opportunity employer and fosters a workplace without discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, marital status, citizenship, national origin, genetic information, or any other characteristic. CVJC also follows and adheres to the latest COVID safety measure per federal, state, and local county guidelines.

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit the following:

• Resume/CV: Detailed professional resume or curriculum vitae.
• Cover letter: Explain your interest in the fellowship and relevant experience in health care journalism.
• Writing samples: Provide at least three samples of your reporting, preferably related to health care.
• References: Contact information for three professional references.

About the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative
Launched by the James B. McClatchy Foundation (JBMF) in 2021, the Central Valley Journalism Collaborative (CVJC) is a nonprofit infrastructure dedicated to ensuring public service journalism thrives in California’s Central Valley. CVJC publishes The Merced FOCUS and operates a Health Equity Reporting Lab in the northern San Joaquin Valley. It also supports Valley newsrooms through grants and training programs. 

About the Institute for Media and Public Trust
The Institute for Media and Public Trust at Fresno State is dedicated to enhancing public trust in journalism and media. It focuses on promoting ethical standards, transparency, and accountability in media practices. By fostering a deeper understanding of media's role in society and supporting investigative and public service journalism, the Institute aims to bridge the gap between the public and the media, ensuring that journalism remains a pillar of democracy and informed citizenship. Through initiatives like this fellowship, the Institute works to address critical, under-covered issues and elevate the quality and impact of local journalism.

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