Open-Source Reporter, Visual Investigations (Temporary)
thenewyorktimes
New York, NY · New York · United States
Posted Aug 11, 2026
- Temporary
- Hybrid
- Video
thenewyorktimes
New York, NY · New York · United States
Posted Aug 11, 2026
The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
The Times Visual Investigations team is looking for an exceptional journalist with extensive open-source reporting skills for a temporary role from late August or early September until the end of December 2026. You will seize news moments and pursue a wide range of national and international topics and have a strong track record conducting investigations, cultivating sources, mining documents, analyzing visuals, and uncovering new information. You will focus on ambitious investigative and explanatory work primarily on competitive news stories but also on longer-term projects.
You are someone who can take initiative on major stories and develop exclusive angles. You have the know-how to find and vet visual evidence, connect dots around chaotic events, and use your range of open-source skills to problem-solve, reveal new insights, provide clarity and hold power to account. Experience turning those findings into videos or video-driven text articles is valuable, working in conjunction with our video editors and motion-graphics producers.
Responsibilities:
Source audio-visual evidence from a variety of platforms.
Geolocate and chronolocate evidence.
Analyze satellite imagery and data.
Pitch reporting and coverage opportunities.
Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
You will report to a Senior Producer on the Visual Investigations team.
Basic Qualifications:
5+ years of experience as an open-source researcher, reporter or investigator at a top news outlet, NGO, or digital investigative organization.
Proven ability to apply open-source research skills to map out critical incidents using visuals and other information.
Experience writing clearly and concisely to visual material on tight deadlines and during breaking news.
Strong portfolio of stories that demonstrate accountability and/or exclusivity.
Extensive experience as an open-source researcher, reporter or investigator at a top news outlet, NGO, or digital investigative organization.
Experience with Google Earth Pro, satellite imagery, and flight- and ship-tracking platforms.
Preferred Qualifications:
Demonstrated experience with developing original angles around highly competitive news events.
Familiarity with the video production process.
Programming skills or fluency in an additional language are a plus.
Willingness and flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed.
Strong time management skills and the ability to juggle multiple assignments at a time.
Strong communication skills and the ability to collaborate with others, including reporters from other desks in the newsroom
#LI-Hybrid
To be considered for this role, please submit your resume, cover letter and links to your best work.
This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.
Additional Compensation and Benefits
For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.
REQ-020516
Candidate Use of GenAI Tools:
We’re excited to learn more about you and your experience. To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.
If you’re an engineering candidate, we’ll let you know what specific GenAI tools you are permitted to use for your technical assessment.
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