The Opportunity:
We are seeking a Journalism Fellow to help shine a light on the realities of Pennsylvania’s prison system and the people most impacted by it. Through original reporting, storytelling, and analysis, you will play a key role in elevating underreported issues and raising awareness for our work.
On any given day, 61,000 Pennsylvanians are incarcerated in state and county prisons. Incarceration in Pennsylvania increased 300 percent since 1980. Lack of access to health care, degradation, and isolation are some of the issues people in prison face.
For over 236 years, the Pennsylvania Prison Society has worked to promote the health, safety, and dignity of incarcerated people. Every month, more than 500 incarcerated people and their families ask the Prison Society for help with issues they face inside prison. Written into Pennsylvania law, Prison Society staff and volunteers respond to these complaints by going into correctional facilities, meeting with incarcerated people, assisting with the issues they are facing, and providing real-time information on prison conditions.
Through advocacy, monitoring visits, and public education, we work to bring attention to issues that affect incarcerated individuals and their families.
This is where you come in!
As a Journalism Fellow, you will:
Report and tell impactful stories. You’ll produce timely and engaging original reporting and storytelling — including biweekly updates — that showcases Prison Society’s advocacy, shares our insider knowledge of Pennsylvania prisons and jails, contribute original reporting on an angle that’s undercovered by the press, or comment on the news from the Prison Society’s perspective.
Examples include:
- Original reporting or analysis on issues affecting incarcerated people using public data or research generated by the Prison Society
- Reports on Prison Society monitoring visits that provide added context on the prison
- Reporting that raises awareness on issues affecting incarcerated people in Pennsylvania and beyond
- Features highlighting the Prison Society’s work and programming
- Original reporting on issues affecting incarcerated people featuring interviews with experts, research studies,
- The Prison Society’s perspective on major news events
- News articles highlighting important legislation
- News about prison and jail conditions the Prison Society is uncovering on the ground
- Human narratives that illustrate a larger issue
- Persuasive pieces supporting a policy position or call to action
Collaborate across the organization. You’ll work closely with staff and subject-matter experts to gather insights, conduct interviews, and ensure accuracy and depth in your reporting.
Uphold ethical and mission-aligned storytelling. You’ll ensure all work reflects the Prison Society’s commitment to dignity, privacy, and objectivity while maintaining journalistic integrity.
Your core competencies
- You are pursuing a graduate degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Policy, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
- You are a strong writer who can produce clear, compelling, and accurate content
- You understand journalistic ethics and are committed to fairness, accuracy, and thoughtful storytelling
- You are comfortable conducting interviews, including with sensitive or vulnerable populations
- You can work both independently and collaboratively
- You are organized, reliable, and able to meet deadlines
- You have an interest in criminal justice, advocacy, or social impact work
- Experience with data-driven or research-based reporting is a plus
What you’ll gain
- Hands-on experience in advocacy journalism
- Exposure to governmental, nonprofit, and criminal justice sector organizations and leadership
- A platform to publish work that informs and influences public understanding and grow your portfolio
What you need to know
- Location: Remote, with occasional travel for reporting and prison monitoring visits
- Hours: Up to 20 hours per month, with some availability during standard business hours (9am–5pm)
- Manager: Reports to Jena Croxford, Communications and Culture Director
- Duration: 12-month fellowship
- Compensation: $600/month stipend
- Start Date: As soon as possible
- Additional Expectations:
- Up to 2 supporter updates per month
- Participation in monthly editorial planning meetings
Application Instructions:
To apply, please email the following to jcroxford@prisonsociety.org:
- A cover letter outlining your interest in the fellowship and how your skills and experience align with the job description.
- A resume or CV.
- Two to three writing samples (preferably related to criminal justice, advocacy, or social justice topics).
- A list of three professional references.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.
