Staff Writer, FactCheck.org

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Staff Writer, FactCheck.org

Job Profile Title

Staff Writer D

Job Description Summary

FactCheck.org is a nonpartisan project of the Annenberg Public Policy Center at the University of Pennsylvania. Established in 2003, FactCheck.org aims to reduce the level of deception and confusion in U.S. politics.

SciCheck, a project of FactCheck.org, focuses exclusively on false and misleading claims about science and health. It was launched in January 2015.

This new staff writer position requires a reporter with strong experience covering health care policy. The writer will research and write articles for FactCheck.org’s SciCheck project, as well as FactCheck.org’s core political coverage. The writer must have strong research skills and the ability to write clearly and concisely on complex topics, work independently, collaborate well with others, meet deadlines, and juggle multiple assignments at once.

The staff writer will monitor statements from major political players and political health policy appointees and write articles on the factual accuracy of their claims concerning federal health programs, health policy legislation, public health and related topics, as well as other political claims unrelated to health care. The position requires experience covering these issues, and knowledge of the legislative process.

In the upcoming midterm elections, the focus will be on campaign themes concerning health policy and other claims made in key Senate races. FactCheck.org reporters often cover a wide range of subject matter as needed.

Job Description

Job Responsibilities

• Research and report on federal health care policy and public health issues, as well as general political topics.
• Write clearly and concisely, explaining why statements made by politicians and political appointees are inaccurate.
• Write explanatory articles that distill complex issues for a general audience.
• Monitor various forms of communication by federal officeholders and identify statements based on facts to be researched.
• Monitor federal campaign messaging to identify health care and other political claims and common themes.
• Identify and use the best evidence – i.e., appropriate expert sources, government and independent analyses, scientific research.
• Collaborate on stories with multiple bylines. Collaborate on creating social media posts.
• Other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Term/funding​

This is a new, limited-term position for three years. Continuation of the position beyond three years is contingent on project funding, organizational needs, and performance.

Work Schedule

This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule, with in-person work on the University of Pennsylvania campus in Philadelphia required on Tuesday, W