David Maas

I’ve always enjoyed learning about other cultures, speaking foreign languages and writing. I love conducting in-depth research and becoming well-versed in an issue. I admire the invaluable reporting so many journalists produce today. This is why I was drawn to ICFJ, and IJNet, in the first place.

As the Senior Editorial Director, IJNet and Community, I oversee IJNet.org, ICFJ’s multilingual publication that covers global journalism trends, and produces tips, tools and expert resources for journalists around the world, and its Crisis Reporting Forum. Being in a position to support journalists amid industry instability, technological disruption, and press freedom crackdowns worldwide, among other issues, is truly rewarding. Getting to do so with a global team of editors and translators, while working with freelance writers from all walks of life, is the best part of the job.

My background: I have experience in research, reporting and international development. I used to work as a local politics reporter and deputy editor at AL DÍA, a Spanish-English news outlet in Philadelphia, and as a journalist in Medellín, Colombia, for the English-language news site, Colombia Reports, where I covered political developments in the wake of the country’s landmark peace deal in 2016 with the FARC rebel group. I’ve also been involved in research about far-right groups in the U.S. Before making a career transition to journalism I spent several years managing USAID-funded programs mainly across Latin America, in Colombia, Honduras and Paraguay. I speak Spanish, can get by with some Russian, and thoroughly enjoy editing your English.

I have a master’s degree in investigative journalism from City, University of London, and a B.A. in international relations from Tufts University. 

Ask me about: Contributing to IJNet, games, movies and my Philly sports teams

My pronouns: He/him

Contact me: Twitter.