Since 1964, Catholics in the United States and around the world have looked to the National Catholic Reporter as a credible independent voice in Catholic journalism. NCR is the only significant alternative Catholic voice that provides avenues for expression of diverse perspectives, promoting tolerance and respect for differing ideas. Among NCR's core values are inclusiveness and social justice; the organization has embraced diversity and prioritized stories of injustice and inequality.
Throughout its history NCR has been a voice for marginalized voices in the church, including Spanish-speaking and Latino Catholics. Some 60 million Latinos live in the United States, about 18% of the population. Although the percentage of U.S. Latinos who identify as Catholic has declined, Latinos currently account for 40% of the Catholic Church in the U.S. And half or more of younger Catholics are Hispanic: 50% of Catholics ages 14 to 29 are Hispanic; and 55% of Catholics under 14 are Hispanic.
Now NCR is making an intentional, concerted effort to increase its coverage of and engagement with Latinx voices in the church through a special one-year project. (The duration of the project may be modified by mutual agreement between the executive editor and the project fellow.) The NCR Latino Catholics Project will include regular coverage of Latino Catholics as well as research, analysis and engagement outreach. The one-year project will culminate with recommendations for a more permanent strategy and staffing to best serve this growing demographic in the church.
To that end, NCR will hire a full-time fellow for this one-year project. That person will report to the executive editor but will work with the team of editors and engagement team to:
- Assist in covering a national beat that focuses on stories that include and are of interest to Latino Catholics, such as spirituality, social trends, politics and public policy issues, pop culture and more. This will include breaking news, in-depth analysis and investigative stories for print and online, as well as multimedia, data journalism and alternative storytelling.
- Bring and continue to cultivate a network of sources, especially within parishes, dioceses, geographic areas, organizations and academic programs where the Latino Catholic community is growing.
- Research and prepare reports that analyze aspects of the Latino Catholic community, for use in editorial and engagement strategizing for NCR and EarthBeat.
- Work with the editors and engagement team to strategize on how to best reach out to Latino Catholics as potential readers, subscribers, members and eventual donors.
- Interact regularly on social media platforms that reach Latino Catholics.
- Represent the publication through speaking engagements, at conferences and through media appearances, especially those that reach Latino Catholics.
- Collaborate with NCR staff in preparing recommendations for the funding, staffing and focus of our coverage of Latino Catholics going forward.
- Work from a home base and through pre-approved travel.
The suitable candidate will be expected to have:
- Bachelor's degree or higher.
- Experience in journalistic reporting and writing.
- Demonstrable knowledge of the Latino community in the United States and in the Catholic Church.
- Excellent communication skills, including experience with interviewing sources.
- Fluency in speaking and writing in Spanish.
- Team-oriented, flexible, positive outlook and willingness to learn.
- Proven ability to self-motivate and work both independently and as part of a team.
Organizational overview:
The National Catholic Reporter Publishing Company (NCR) is a non-profit, independent, lay-led news organization that reports on the Catholic Church and wider moral issues facing the human family. It publishes the National Catholic Reporter 26 times a year in print and daily at NCRonline.org. It also publishes Global Sisters Report and EarthBeat online. These publications are committed to shaping a world that recognizes the sacredness and dignity of every human being, regardless of religious belief, gender, race, ethnicity, or sexual orientation. Throughout our history, NCR has been a voice for the voiceless, disadvantaged and marginalized. It has held authority, secular or religious, accountable.
To apply:
Interested parties should submit a cover letter explaining their interest and describing their qualifications. Please include a resume with career history and three writing samples. Women and journalists of color are encouraged to apply.
All communications will be treated confidentially. All nominations, applications and inquiries should be directed electronically to jobs@ncronline.org by July 15, 2021.