Coffey Family Foundation Investigative Reporting Fellowship

The Post and Courier is seeking a high-achieving Senior to fill a prestigious two-year investigative journalism fellowship designed to train an emerging journalist through immersive, hands-on work alongside the newspapers Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative team.

The Coffey Family Fellowship, created in collaboration with Wofford College and the Coffey Family Foundation, is designed to bridge the gap between college and a career in professional investigative reporting through hands-on newsroom experience and mentorship.

If you're hired, you will join an ambitious, creative environment where talented journalists have the opportunity to pursue the best work of their careers. The Post and Courier, the premier news source for South Carolina, is the winner of the 2015 Pulitzer Prize for Public Service and has been a six-time Pulitzer finalist since 2011. This fellowship is a unique, enriching opportunity to quickly learn investigative skills in a setting where local journalism still matters.

You will end up high on our list of candidates if you demonstrate that you have endless curiosity, know how to dig for answers even when you face obstacles, write with skill, are always eager to learn, and believe in the publics right to know about the publics business – and holding the powerful to account.

We look for journalists who bring passion to their work and are easy to work with – team players who are eager to collaborate and are hungry to help The Post and Courier serve its readers with exceptional journalism.

Fellowship Overview

This unique opportunity is structured in two distinct phases over a 2-year period:

• Year One (Senior year): You will serve as a part-time intern in our Spartanburg newsroom while completing your studies. You will work approximately 12 hours per week at a rate of $14 per hour.
• Year Two (post-graduation): Upon graduating, you will transition into a full-time, one-year role with The Post and Couriers investigative team. This position includes a $38,000 salary plus benefits.

Key Responsibilities

As a Coffey Family Fellow, you will be fully integrated into the newsroom environment. Your first year, while you are still in school, will consist writing general news stories and, on occasion, helping reporters on the investigative team with research for projects they are doing. You also will receive mentoring from the team.

In your second year, after you join the investigative team based in Charleston, your duties would include:

• Assisting with investigative reporting efforts: You'll grow skills in how to conduct deep research, analyze data, use technology as a reporting tool, performing interviews, and writing and structuring watchdog stories.
• Collaboration: You will attend newsroom and team meetings as assigned, and collaborate with reporters on investigative projects.
• Content Creation: You will contribute original research under the guidance of the investigative team and will be working to get co-bylines or bylines on investigative stories that are published.
• Technical Training: You will be mastering advanced reporter techniques and use of technologies and research tools, including Notebook LM.

Qualifications

• Currently a Senior enrolled at Wofford College.
• Strong interest in pursuing a career in investigative journalism.
• Demonstrated success in your college studies.
• Demonstrated ability to engage in research and reporting at a professional level.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills associated with developing trusting relationships and maintaining a high level of confidentiality
• Strong organization and prioritization skills with excellent follow through.
• Commitment to completing the full two-year program cycle, which includes a year two transition to Charleston, SC.

Metrics of Success

Fellows will be evaluated on their ability to:

• Complete all required training in investigative reporting and research techniques.
• Contribute to selected investigative story, resulting in published bylines and contributing taglines.
• Actively participate in newsroom discussions and provide original, accurate research.