Summer 2025 – Wisconsin Watch Internship

Employer Wisconsin Watch
Location Madison, WI | Remote
Type Internship
Apply by February 21, 2025
More details https://jobs.gusto.com/postings/milwaukee-neighborhood-news-service-wisconsin-watch-university-of-wi
Posted on February 3, 2025

Description

Wisconsin Watch, a nonprofit news organization that fills information and accountability gaps across Wisconsin, seeks interns from the University of Wisconsin-Madison for the summer of 2025. Summer interns will contribute to Wisconsin Watch’s investigative journalism mission by supporting the reporting and writing of news stories. Interns will have the opportunity to work alongside experienced reporters gaining valuable experience in the field and coverage of a state bureau. The right candidate will be curious, collaborative, and a deep listener who can contribute to the writing and editing of news stories under the guidance of experienced journalists. At least one summer intern will qualify for a full-year internship through May 2026.

Wisconsin Watch provides trustworthy reporting that investigates problems, explores solutions and serves the public. We aim to strengthen the quality of community life and self-government in Wisconsin by providing people with the knowledge they need to navigate their lives, drive forward solutions and hold those with power accountable. We pursue the truth through accurate, fair, independent, rigorous, nonpartisan reporting.

The intern will:
• Conduct in-depth research on assigned topics and contribute to story development.
• Assist reporters in gathering and verifying information.
• Write clear and concise fact briefs on questionable claims.
• Contribute to the writing and editing of news stories under the guidance of experienced journalists.
• Attend and participate in weekly reporter meetings and state team meetings every other week.
• Provide support for other reporting and research projects as needed.

At Wisconsin Watch we make sure that we are producing quality journalism and give our editorial team the time they need to make sure the job is done well.

Required qualifications: The ideal candidate will bring a public service mindset and a demonstrated commitment to nonpartisan journalism ethics, including a commitment to abide by Wisconsin Watch’s ethics policies.

More specifically, we’re looking for interns who:
• Demonstrate strong research, writing, and communication skills.
• Demonstrate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite/Google Docs.
• Are able to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrate interest in investigative journalism and a passion for storytelling.
• Have strong organizational and time management skills.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Wisconsin Watch is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Location: Our University of Wisconsin Summer Interns will be located in Wisconsin during their summer employment.

Working Conditions: The intern will work in a fast-paced newsroom environment. There may be occasional evening and weekend hours required to meet deadlines.

Salary and benefits: Interns are compensated at $15/hour. It is expected that interns work about 40 hours per week during the 12 weeks of their internship. This position is non-exempt from overtime and is not eligible for benefits or paid time off.

Deadline: Applications received before February 21, 2025, will be given priority consideration.

To apply: Please submit a PDF of a cover letter and your resume in the online application portal. Please also submit three writing samples to Wisconsin Watch State Bureau Chief, Matthew DeFour at mdefour@wisconsinwatch.org. If you’d like to chat about the job before applying, contact Matt at the email above.

Wisconsin Watch is dedicated to improving our newsroom by better reflecting the people we cover. We are committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities. We are an equal-opportunity employer and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or any other status protected under applicable law.