Data Journalist, Ignites and BoardIQ

The role / Position overview

FT Specialist is seeking a Data Journalist to join our growing data journalism team, producing exclusive, data-driven reporting and visual storytelling for Ignites and BoardIQ.

This role sits at the intersection of journalism, data analysis and visual design. You will be responsible for sourcing, cleaning, analysing and interpreting complex datasets to uncover original stories covering various aspects of the mutual fund and ETF industry as well as the boards that oversee those products on behalf of investors. You will also create engaging visualisations and interactive content that help our journalism stand out and deliver insights readers cannot find elsewhere.

Working as part of a six-person Data Visualization team, you will collaborate closely with reporters and editors across both publications while reporting to the Managing Editor of Data Visualization. The successful candidate will be equally comfortable developing ambitious long-term investigative and analytical projects as well as delivering shorter-turnaround stories that respond to emerging industry trends and news events.

We are looking for a curious, collaborative and entrepreneurial journalist who is passionate about using data to reveal meaningful stories and who is committed to continually developing their skills in a fast-evolving newsroom environment.

Important: This is an editorial journalism role, not a data analyst or data science position. Candidates must have professional journalism or reporting experience. Applications from candidates whose experience is primarily in data analytics, business intelligence or data science, without demonstrated reporting experience, will be automatically rejected.

Key responsibilities

• Develop original, data-driven stories covering the mutual fund and ETF industry as well as directors and boards that oversee those products.
• Source, collect, clean and analyse structured and unstructured datasets using a range of journalistic and analytical techniques.
• Build compelling charts, graphics and interactive visualisations that enhance storytelling and audience engagement.
• Identify trends, anomalies and opportunities within datasets that lead to exclusive reporting.
• Deliver both long-term analytical projects and shorter-turnaround assignments driven by current events and industry developments.
• Collaborate closely with reporters, editors and visual journalists across Ignites and BoardIQ.
• Support colleagues in applying data journalism techniques and interpreting quantitative information accurately.
• Use public records, databases, APIs, web scraping techniques and proprietary datasets to uncover new reporting opportunities.
• Ensure all reporting and analysis meets the highest standards of accuracy, transparency and journalistic integrity.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of data journalism capabilities across FT Specialist.

Required skills / experience

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify meaningful insights from complex information.
• Experience communicating data, research findings or business insights clearly to a range of audiences.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent collaboration and partner management skills, with experience working across teams and subject areas.
• Curiosity and a proactive approach to uncovering opportunities, trends and areas for deeper investigation.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.
• Experience using data, research or quantitative analysis to support decision-making, storytelling or audience engagement.
• An interest in developing or expanding technical skills in areas such as Python, R, data visualisation, databases or related analytical tools.
• Knowledge of FT products, audiences, editorial standards or internal workflows that can help accelerate impact in the role.

Additional information

We welcome applications from colleagues across Editorial, Product & Technology, Audience, Research, Commercial and other FT business areas who can demonstrate transferable analytical, storytelling or data-focused skills.

Candidates looking to take the next step in their career and grow into a more specialised data journalism role are encouraged to apply.

What's in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, health coverage, 401k and company match, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email and a member of our team will be happy to help.

Further information

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $75,000-$80,000. To ensure pay fairness, the successful candidate will be offered a salary within the estimated salary range based on a number of considerations including but not limited to: skills; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organisational needs. The disclosed range estimate is for our NYC office and has not been adjusted for other locations.

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may use AI tools as part of their job application process. Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications.

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

Please beware of fraudulent job postings and offers claiming to be from the Financial Times. All legitimate opportunities will direct you to apply through the official Financial Times careers site, and the FT will never ask for financial information, payments, or referrals to third parties during the hiring process. If you have any concerns about the legitimacy of a job posting or suspect any scam activity, please contact.