The posting
Job Title: Undercover Journalist
Location: Remote Reports To: Journalism Dept. Employment Type: Part-Time, Contractor
Expected Travel: 10%
About O’Keefe Media Group
O’Keefe Media Group is an independent media organization founded by investigative journalist James O’Keefe. OMG produces investigative reporting, undercover journalism, and original programming focused on matters of public interest, institutional accountability, and government and corporate misconduct. By combining the work of an experienced in-house media team with a nationwide network of citizen journalists, OMG seeks to equip Americans to document events, uncover facts, and bring important stories directly to the public.
Position Overview
O’Keefe Media Group is seeking resourceful, mission-driven Undercover Journalists to identify, investigate, and document stories of public interest. Contractors work with OMG’s investigative team to develop leads, conduct research, gather evidence, and participate in approved field assignments.
This is not a traditional nine-to-five position. Work is offered on a project-by-project basis, with compensation established for each assignment, typically per day. Assignments may require irregular hours, short-notice travel, independent fieldwork, and strict confidentiality.
Success requires curiosity, courage, discretion, sound judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to follow editorial, legal, and operational direction under pressure.
Areas of Accountability
Lead Development and Research
Objective: Identify credible investigative opportunities that align with OMG’s mission and editorial priorities.
Measures of Success
- Potential stories, sources, and supporting information are identified and communicated clearly.
- Preliminary research is accurate, relevant, and sufficiently documented.
- Leads are evaluated critically before significant time or resources are committed.
- Significant risks, uncertainties, and conflicts are disclosed promptly.
Field Investigation and Evidence Gathering
Objective: Gather reliable information and documentation that advances approved investigations.
Measures of Success
- Assignments produce useful video, audio, records, observations, or source information.
- Evidence is captured clearly, preserved securely, and accompanied by accurate context.
- Investigative activity remains within the approved scope of the assignment.
- Fieldwork is conducted professionally, lawfully, and without unnecessary risk.
Communication and Documentation
Objective: Keep the investigative team informed and maintain complete, reliable records throughout each assignment.
Measures of Success
- Material developments, risks, and changes are reported promptly.
- Notes, timelines, source information, expenses, and supporting materials are complete and organized.
- Instructions and editorial feedback are understood and followed.
- Confidential information is shared only through approved methods and with authorized individuals.
Judgment and Professional Conduct
Objective: Protect the integrity, safety, and credibility of OMG investigations.
Measures of Success
- Sensitive assignments and source information remain confidential.
- Decisions reflect sound judgment, situational awareness, and respect for legal and ethical boundaries.
- Questions or concerns are raised before taking actions outside the approved plan.
- The contractor remains composed, adaptable, and professional in unpredictable situations.
- No unauthorized promises, representations, expenses, or investigative actions are made on OMG’s behalf.
Assignment Execution
Objective: Complete approved assignments reliably and in accordance with agreed expectations.
Measures of Success
- Deadlines, travel requirements, and assignment objectives are met.
- The investigative team receives timely notice of obstacles, safety concerns, or changes in availability.
- Equipment, funds, and other resources are handled responsibly.
- Deliverables are accurate, complete, and submitted in the requested format.
Availability and Travel Requirements
- Work is project-based and dependent on active investigative needs.
- Travel requirements vary by assignment and may include nationwide travel.
- Assignments may require evenings, weekends, extended hours, or short-notice availability.
- Contractors must be comfortable working independently while maintaining regular communication with the investigative team.
- Contractors may accept or decline assignments based on availability, subject to the terms established for each project.
Qualifications
- Strong commitment to OMG’s mission and investigative journalism.
- Demonstrated curiosity, resourcefulness, and investigative instincts.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal, and observational skills.
- Ability to approach unfamiliar people and navigate sensitive conversations.
- Sound judgment and ability to remain composed under pressure.
- Strong attention to detail, documentation, and factual accuracy.
- Ability to work independently and follow assignment-specific directions.
- Willingness and ability to travel when required.
- Demonstrated discretion when handling sensitive or confidential information.
- Ability to operate professionally, ethically, and lawfully.
Preferred Backgrounds
Relevant experience may include independent journalism, reporting, private investigations, political campaigns, advocacy, sales, research, documentary production, or other work requiring strong interpersonal skills, discretion, and initiative.
Prior journalism experience is valuable but not required for candidates who demonstrate sound judgment, strong communication skills, reliability, and a genuine commitment to uncovering matters of public interest.
