The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship 2026: One-Year Investigative Journalism Opportunity for Local Reporters and Freelance Journalists

The New York Times is offering a Local Investigations Fellowship, a one-year opportunity designed for experienced local reporters and freelance journalists who have compelling investigative story ideas focused on their state or region. The fellowship provides selected journalists with editorial guidance, investigative reporting training, resources and the opportunity to produce significant investigative journalism for publication by The New York Times.

The program is intended for journalists who have identified important local issues but may not have had sufficient time, resources or editorial support to pursue them fully. Fellows will work from the communities where they are reporting while receiving guidance from Dean Baquet, former executive editor of The New York Times, and a group of veteran investigative editors.

This opportunity is particularly relevant to journalists interested in accountability reporting, public-interest investigations, local government, public safety, health, community issues, institutional failures and other subjects where rigorous reporting can reveal information that has not previously been uncovered.

About The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship

The New York Times describes its mission as seeking the truth and helping people understand the world, with independent journalism at the center of its work.

The Local Investigations Fellowship supports that mission by giving local journalists the opportunity to develop and pursue substantial investigative projects. Rather than simply providing a conventional newsroom position, the fellowship is structured around a specific investigative reporting idea or area of focus that the journalist wants to explore.

Successful fellows spend approximately one year working on investigative journalism focused on their state or region. Their work is expected to result in signature investigative reporting that will be published by The New York Times.

The fellowship combines practical reporting with editorial mentorship. Fellows remain based in the communities they cover, allowing them to maintain the local knowledge, relationships and sources needed for effective community-based investigative reporting. Periodic trips to The New York Times offices are also part of the program for training and support.

What the Local Investigations Fellowship Offers

The fellowship provides selected journalists with an opportunity to develop their investigative reporting skills while working on a substantial local story.

Key aspects of the fellowship include:

• A one-year investigative reporting opportunity focused on a state or region.
• The opportunity to produce signature investigative journalism for publication by The New York Times.
• Editorial guidance from Dean Baquet, The New York Times’ former executive editor.
• Support from a group of experienced investigative editors.
• Training in the judgment, skills and techniques required for effective investigative journalism.
• The opportunity to develop an investigation that may require significant reporting time, records, data and human sources.
• Periodic travel to The New York Times offices for training and support.
• The opportunity to bring new perspectives and approaches to investigative journalism.
• The ability to work from the community where the reporting is taking place.

For journalists who have strong investigative ideas but have not had the resources or editorial support necessary to pursue them, the fellowship is structured to provide an environment in which those investigations can be developed in depth.

Who Can Apply for the Local Investigations Fellowship?

The fellowship is designed for experienced local journalists, including reporters currently working in local newsrooms and independent or freelance journalists.

Applicants must meet the basic professional requirements outlined by The New York Times.

Basic Qualifications

Applicants should have:

• Three to five years of professional reporting experience covering a beat for a local newspaper or local digital news outlet.
• Experience as either an independent journalist or a journalist employed by a newsroom that is willing to provide a yearlong sabbatical.
• Authorization to work in the United States.

Applicants should also demonstrate an understanding of and commitment to journalistic independence and The New York Times’ mission of seeking the truth and helping people understand the world.

Preferred Qualifications

While not listed as mandatory, The New York Times identifies several qualities that can strengthen an application.

Preferred candidates may have:

• Significant experience covering a particular reporting beat.
• A well-developed investigative story idea that they have not previously had enough time, resources or editorial support to pursue.
• The ability to bring new perspectives to investigative journalism.
• A strong record of reporting stories that demonstrate excellence in writing, news judgment and community-centered journalism.

The fellowship is therefore aimed at journalists who already have professional reporting experience rather than individuals seeking their first journalism position.

What Kind of Investigative Story Is The New York Times Looking For?

A central part of the application is the investigative story idea.

Applicants are expected to propose an investigation that could reveal something important about their community, state or region. The proposed story should go beyond simply describing an existing problem. It should have the potential to uncover new information, establish accountability or reveal information that has not previously been made public.

The New York Times identifies several characteristics of a strong local investigation.

1. The Investigation Should Start With High Stakes

A compelling local investigation should address an issue that has meaningful consequences for people’s lives.

Applicants should consider questions such as:

• How does the issue affect people’s health?
• Does it affect public safety?
• Does it threaten people’s livelihoods?
• Does it affect access to essential services?
• Does it affect people’s quality of life?
• What are the consequences for the local community?

The strongest investigative ideas generally involve issues where the consequences are substantial and where uncovering the truth could make a meaningful difference to public understanding.

2. The Investigation Should Have a Clear Line of Accountability

A strong investigation should identify who has responsibility or power in relation to the issue being investigated.

Applicants should be able to explain:

• Who is responsible for the situation?
• What institution, organization or individual has decision-making authority?
• What actions or failures contributed to the problem?
• How can the investigation establish accountability?

The objective is not simply to identify a problem but to determine how responsibility can be traced through evidence and reporting.

3. The Investigation Should Reveal Something New

The fellowship places emphasis on investigations that uncover information that is not already known.

Applicants should consider whether their proposed investigation could:

• Reveal previously unknown information.
• Expose a hidden pattern.
• Uncover records or data that have not been analyzed.
• Demonstrate a previously undocumented failure.
• Identify conduct or circumstances that institutions or individuals may not want publicly examined.
• Provide evidence that changes understanding of an existing local issue.

Applicants are encouraged to explain what they believe their investigation could establish and why their reporting could reveal something that existing coverage has not.

4. The Investigation Should Have a Clear Sense of Place

Because this is a local investigations fellowship, the proposed investigation should have a strong connection to a particular community.

The applicant should be able to explain how the issue is connected to their state, city, region or local community and why the circumstances are distinctive there.

The local context could involve:

• Local government.
• Public institutions.
• Health systems.
• Schools and education.
• Law enforcement.
• Courts and the justice system.
• Housing.
• Environmental issues.
• Public infrastructure.
• Local businesses and industries.
• Community organizations.
• Public safety.
• Local economic conditions.

The important point is that the investigation should have a meaningful local dimension rather than being a general national story without a specific community focus.

Examples of Investigative Ideas

The fellowship description provides examples of investigations that have demonstrated the type of reporting the program seeks to support.

One example involved a reporter at The Baltimore Banner who had reason to believe that Baltimore’s overdose crisis was the worst in the nation.

Another involved journalists at Mississippi Today who had evidence of abuses in local sheriffs’ offices.

A further example involved a reporter at The Desert Sun in Palm Springs, California, who suspected a pattern of deaths inside local jails.

These examples illustrate the importance of starting with a specific reporting lead, evidence or pattern and then developing it through deeper investigation.

Applicants should therefore avoid presenting only a broad topic. Instead, they should explain what they suspect, what evidence they have already encountered, what remains unknown and what further reporting could establish.

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit several materials as part of their application.

The New York Times specifically requires applicants to upload their:

• Résumé.
• Cover letter.
• Five published reporting clips.

These materials must be submitted in one attachment, and applications that do not follow the required instructions or fail to include the necessary materials will not be considered.

The five clips should demonstrate the applicant’s journalistic ability and should help editors assess the applicant’s experience and reporting style.

Cover Letter and Investigative Story Pitch

The cover letter is a particularly important component of the application.

Applicants must include at least one investigative story idea or pitch, although they may include more than one if they wish.

Each story idea or pitch should be limited to 500 words.

The New York Times states that applicants do not need to submit polished, publication-ready pitches. Instead, the purpose of the questions is to help editors understand the applicant’s reporting process and determine what kinds of editorial assistance, resources and support could help develop the investigation.

Questions Applicants Should Address

A proposed investigation should address the following areas:

1. What is the investigative story idea?

Applicants should clearly describe the issue they want to investigate.

They should also explain what the investigation could reveal that is not already known.

The applicant should consider:

• What is the central allegation, question or problem?
• What evidence currently exists?
• What new information could the investigation uncover?
• Why is the issue important to the community?

2. Who Has Been Harmed?

Applicants should identify the people or communities affected by the issue.

They should explain:

• Who experienced harm?
• What form did the harm take?
• How extensive is the harm?
• What evidence demonstrates the harm?
• Why is the harm significant?

This section should demonstrate that the applicant understands the human consequences of the issue rather than viewing the investigation solely as an institutional or abstract problem.

3. Who Should Be Held Accountable?

Applicants should identify the relevant individuals, organizations or institutions that have responsibility or authority.

They should explain:

• Who has the power to influence the situation?
• What decisions or actions are relevant?
• What failures or conduct require examination?
• How could the reporting establish accountability?

4. What Records, Data and Sources Are Needed?

Investigative reporting frequently requires extensive documentation.

Applicants should identify the critical materials that would be necessary to pursue their investigation, which could include:

• Government records.
• Public records.
• Court documents.
• Financial records.
• Internal documents.
• Public databases.
• Government datasets.
• Corporate records.
• Emails or correspondence.
• Interviews with affected individuals.
• Expert sources.
• Former employees.
• Current employees.
• Community members.

Applicants should also explain how they have obtained, or could obtain, these sources.

5. What Support Is Needed?

Applicants should identify the obstacles preventing them from fully pursuing the investigation independently.

These barriers might involve:

• Lack of time.
• Limited newsroom resources.
• Insufficient editorial support.
• Difficulty obtaining records.
• Data analysis requirements.
• Legal or reporting challenges.
• Geographic limitations.
• The need for additional reporting resources.
• Difficulty accessing important sources.

The application should make clear why the Local Investigations Fellowship would be useful for advancing the investigation.

6. What Has Already Been Reported?

Applicants should demonstrate awareness of existing journalism on their proposed subject.

They should explain:

• What other journalists have already reported.
• What is already known.
• What important questions remain unanswered.
• How the proposed investigation could add new information.

Applicants should also include notable reporting clips related to the subject where appropriate.

Five Published Clips Required

Applicants are expected to submit five published clips that demonstrate excellence in journalism.

The clips should showcase abilities such as:

• Evocative writing.
• High-impact news reporting.
• Investigative reporting.
• Strong storytelling.
• Community-focused reporting.
• Effective use of sources.
• Ability to explain complex issues clearly.
• Ability to highlight the experiences and voices of local communities.

Applicants should upload the full text of their clips, rather than submitting links alone.

Choosing the appropriate clips is therefore an important part of the application. Candidates should select work that demonstrates their strongest reporting and provides evidence of their ability to pursue meaningful local journalism.

Work Authorization Requirements

The Local Investigations Fellowship has a specific U.S. work authorization requirement.

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States.

The New York Times states that it will not sponsor new work visas for the fellowship.

However, applicants who already hold an existing work visa may be considered. The organization may also consider candidates holding a valid student visa that can be extended through Optional Practical Training (OPT).

This requirement is particularly important for international journalists because meeting the professional qualifications alone does not establish eligibility if the applicant does not have the required authorization to work in the United States.

Fellowship Duration and Location

The Local Investigations Fellowship is a one-year program.

Although the job listing is categorized as remote within the United States, fellows will be based in the communities where their investigations are taking place. The fellowship also includes periodic trips to The New York Times offices for training and support.

This structure allows fellows to remain close to the people, institutions and communities they are reporting on while still receiving direct editorial support from experienced investigative journalists.

Compensation

The listed annual base pay for the position is:

$85,262.84 USD per year

The job listing states that the annual base pay range for this role is $85,262.84–$85,262.84 USD.

For U.S. roles, eligible employees may also receive additional compensation depending on the role, including variable compensation such as an annual bonus and restricted stock.

Benefits

Depending on eligibility and the specific role, benefits may include:

• Medical insurance.
• Dental insurance.
• Vision benefits.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Company-matching 401(k) plan.
• Employee stock purchase plan.
• Paid vacation.
• Paid sick days.
• Paid parental leave.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Professional development programs.

The exact benefits available to an individual fellow may depend on applicable employment terms and eligibility.

Application Frequency

Candidates may apply to the Local Investigations Fellowship once per calendar year.

Applicants may also apply for other newsroom opportunities at The New York Times, but they must submit a separate application for each program.

This means candidates interested in multiple opportunities should ensure that they complete the required application materials for each individual position rather than assuming one application will automatically be considered for multiple programs.

Application Deadline

No fixed application deadline is provided in the job listing.

Applicants are notified about their status on a rolling basis. The New York Times notes that the fellowship is highly competitive and receives a high level of interest.

Candidates should therefore review the official listing and application portal for the current status of the opportunity before applying.

The organization also states that it will not accept applications submitted by mail or email. Applications must be submitted through the official application process.

How Applicants Are Selected

The New York Times states that applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.

The organization does not promise to acknowledge every application immediately or provide status updates to every applicant throughout the vetting process.

Candidates may be contacted for interviews as needed.

Because the fellowship receives substantial interest, applicants should ensure that their submission clearly communicates their reporting experience, investigative idea, evidence, sources, community impact and understanding of the subject.

Important Note About Generative AI

The New York Times includes specific instructions concerning generative artificial intelligence in its hiring process.

Candidates are asked to submit their own work and not use generative AI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.

Applicants should therefore carefully follow the organization’s instructions and ensure that submitted reporting clips, pitches and other substantive application materials comply with the stated requirements.

Union Representation

The position is represented by the NewsGuild of New York.

This is an employment-related condition identified in the official listing.

Equal Opportunity and Inclusion

The New York Times Company states that it is committed to maintaining a diverse workforce with people from different backgrounds and experiences.

The organization states that it is an Equal Opportunity Employer and that it does not discriminate based on legally protected characteristics, including sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic characteristics, citizenship, veteran or military status and other characteristics protected by law.

The company also states that reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by applicable federal, state and local laws.

Applicants seeking an accommodation during the application or interview process can contact the organization’s designated accommodations email address listed in the official vacancy announcement.

How to Prepare a Strong Application

Applicants interested in this fellowship should approach the application as an investigative journalism proposal rather than a conventional employment application.

1. Develop a Specific Investigation

Avoid submitting a proposal that is too broad.

Instead of simply proposing to investigate an issue such as public housing, policing, healthcare or local government, identify a specific question, pattern, failure or allegation that can be investigated through evidence.

2. Demonstrate What Is Already Known

Research the subject thoroughly and identify existing reporting.

A strong application should show that the applicant understands the current state of knowledge and can explain what their proposed investigation would add.

3. Identify the Evidence

Think beyond interviews.

Consider what records, data, documents and other evidence could establish the facts of the investigation.

4. Establish the Human Impact

Explain how the issue affects real people and communities.

Demonstrate the consequences of the situation and identify people who can provide firsthand accounts.

5. Establish Accountability

An investigative story should have a clear accountability component.

Applicants should identify the institutions or individuals whose actions, decisions or failures are relevant to the investigation and explain how evidence could establish responsibility.

6. Select Strong Reporting Clips

The five clips should collectively demonstrate the applicant’s strongest journalism.

Applicants should choose published work that shows their ability to report accurately, write clearly, develop sources and tell stories that matter to local communities.

7. Be Specific About Reporting Challenges

If the investigation requires resources that the applicant’s current newsroom or freelance work cannot provide, explain exactly what is needed.

This could include additional time, data analysis, records research, editorial guidance, travel or other reporting resources.

APPLY HERE

Important Fraud Warning

Applicants should be cautious about fraudulent job advertisements and fake employment offers.

The New York Times states that legitimate job opportunities are accessible through its official careers website. The company also states that it will not ask applicants for financial information or payment and will not direct applicants to third parties to obtain employment.

Applicants should never send money to someone claiming that payment is required to secure a position at The New York Times.

Anyone who encounters a suspected fraudulent job posting or offer can report it to The New York Times using the contact information provided in the official listing. The organization also directs applicants to relevant government fraud-reporting channels.

Visit HERE to learn more about the The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship 2026.

Conclusion

The New York Times Local Investigations Fellowship provides experienced local journalists with a structured opportunity to spend a year pursuing an important investigative story with the support of veteran investigative editors. The fellowship is centered on producing meaningful local journalism that can uncover new information, establish accountability and give communities a clearer understanding of issues affecting their lives.

Applicants should pay particular attention to the investigative story proposal, as the application requires them to explain what they want to investigate, what they hope to uncover, who has been harmed, who may be accountable, what records and sources will be needed, what barriers they face and how existing reporting relates to their proposed work.

With a one-year duration, editorial mentorship, investigative reporting support and the opportunity for the resulting work to be published by The New York Times, the fellowship is structured for journalists who already possess professional reporting experience and have a significant local investigation they want to pursue.

Applicants should carefully review the official vacancy information, confirm that they meet the U.S. work authorization requirements and prepare all required materials before submitting their application.

For more global job/fellowship opportunities visit OFY HERE