The Bureau of Investigative Journalism, Technology Editor (2 yr. FTC)

We're hiring: Apply to be our technology editor

The Bureau of Investigative Journalism is expanding and we are looking for a talented journalist to lead our small team reporting on the impacts of big tech.

The Bureau has been investigating the effects of big tech for several years, breaking stories on everything from algorithmic decision-making to Facebook’s lobbying,from global misinformation, to mobile phone surveillance.

We want a talented journalist with strong experience of accountability tech journalism to lead this team on a two-year contract, helping it produce top-tier investigations holding big tech to account.

About The Bureau

The Bureau is the UK’s largest independent investigative journalism organisation. It exists to inform the public about the realities of power in today’s world. Our investigations seek to expose systemic wrongs, challenge misinformation and spark change. With no corporate or political agenda we bring to light serious issues affecting individuals and communities in the UK and around the world.

We work collaboratively to maximise the impact of our fact-based reporting and share our findings openly with local, national and international media outlets to reach as many people as possible.

About the technology project

In the last few years, The Bureau has been at the cutting edge of reporting on the business model underlying the new digital era. We’ve uncovered the world of Twitterbots for hire and their role in a political scandal in South Africa and explored how social media promotes quack Covid cures in India.

We’ve spot-lit how European agencies tried to exploit new technologies to predict refugee arrivals and exposed behind-the-scenes lobbying for NHS data as well as the struggles behind Britain’s contact tracing app. We’ve revealed how top-tier global commercial surveillance companies have been enabled by a hidden trade in mobile network access points.

Our renewed project – led by this role – aims to take this work up a level. We don’t intend to replicate the reporting done by national newspapers and magazines reporting on Big Tech. We’re looking instead to meet the urgent need for deeper reporting on the hidden, systemic issues, within the UK and internationally.

About the role

It is an exciting time to join our innovative, mission-driven journalism outfit and be part of an ambitious new phase of our tech project, producing cross-border investigations on big tech.

This role will serve as the editor of the project, managing at least one other staff member (we hope to grow the team during the contracted period) and occasional freelancers across the globe. It will also serve as the lead reporting role on the project – so will suit a reporter looking to move into a hybrid role, or an editor looking to get back into the field.

This is a full-time role for an initial two-year period, reporting to the Bureau’s Global Editor.

Responsibilities

• Lead a two-person team delivering hard-hitting investigations
• Bring in and land major exclusives
• Manage reporting projects
• Oversee at least one other member of the team
• Build a strong contact base to help deliver stories and impact
• Represent the Bureau and the project at events and conferences

Desirable experience and skills

• Proven track record of strong, investigative reporting on big tech
• Deliverable story ideas
• Good contacts
• Strong financial reporting skills
• Strong understanding of media law and journalism ethics
• Diligence and attention to detail
• Editing experience
• Ambition
• Collaborative team player
• Proof of good longread writing
• A passion for accountability journalism
• Presenting and public speaking
• Ideas for imaginative storytelling

Salary: £45,000–£50,000, depending on experience.

Duration: Two years

It is envisaged that this is a full-time role, primarily based in our London office (though we have hybrid working), but as The Bureau is committed to supporting people who require a more flexible approach to working this is open to discussion.

The Bureau is committed to being an inclusive and diverse employer providing opportunities for all, where people can come to do their best work. We encourage individuals from BAME communities or disadvantaged backgrounds as these groups are currently underrepresented in the media industry, which is something we are committed to changing.

To apply

Please complete our diversity form here then click Apply now and send a CV and covering letter to by 3 December 2021