David Maas

Senior Editorial Director, IJNet and Community

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.

I’m the director of the International Journalists’ Network (IJNet.org), ICFJ’s multilingual publication that covers global journalism trends, and produces tips, tools and expert resources for journalists around the world. 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: dmaas@icfj.org and on Twitter.