Grist, the nation’s leading green news publication, is seeking a staff writer to contribute to our national news and environmental justice coverage. We’re looking for someone with strong reporting and writing chops, along with stellar news judgment, a passion for storytelling, and a deep commitment to community-level journalism.

The staff writer will pitch, report, and write stories on the connections between social inequality and the environment, including the disproportionate impact of pollution and climate change on the disadvantaged, ranging from local communities fighting for clean air and water to the plight of international climate refugees. We’re especially interested in journalism that identifies and examines solutions to these environmental justice concerns.

What does this role look like in practice? You’ll know how to follow the money, file FOIA requests, and dream up new ways to tell justice-related stories. You’ll happily jump at opportunities to contribute to larger projects, appear in the occasional video, and represent Grist at conferences and workshops. We’re a small editorial staff, so everyone has to pitch in and support one another. You’ll help guide and train junior staff, including our editorial fellows, in both subject matter expertise and the basics of strong, independent journalism.

Grist is based in Seattle, but the job doesn’t have to be. We have staff around the country.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Conceive of, report, write, and produce environmental justice stories of varying lengths
• Work on special projects, investigations, and multimedia storytelling
• Help shape editorial and organizational strategy
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• At least 5 years of reporting and editing experience, preferably online
• Demonstrated reporting experience, knowledge, and interest in environmental justice or related issues
• A track record of covering stories of national importance and impact
• Comfort building trust with communities who aren’t often reported on by national media
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities and deadlines
• Comfort with technology, social media, and digital tools for journalism
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Facility with desktop writing tools and web technologies for news gathering and publishing
• Superior organizational skills and obsessive attention to details
• Experience finding sharp, (occasionally) provocative angles on the news of the day
• Ability to work independently, demonstrate good personal judgment, and exercise a commitment to ethical conduct toward sources, story subjects, and readers
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization

And it sure would be nice if you also had:

• Experience in investigative reporting and multimedia journalism
• Excitement about exploring innovative and creative ways to tell stories in a fast-moving environment, specifically for mobile devices
• A passion for helping Grist build new, more diverse audiences for environmental stories
• A strong voice and no qualms about using it, while never just preaching to the choir
• The ability to identify stories that will resonate online

COMPENSATION:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience

Grist offers a dynamic and engaging editorial environment and the opportunity to be part of a unique online publication with a mission that matters. To apply, please email ejstaffwriter@grist.org with “Staff Writer, Environmental Justice” in the subject line. Include a resume, 3-5 work samples, and a cover letter. No phone calls, please.

Cultivating an inclusive staff is central to Grist’s focus on advancing equity. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experience. Candidates of all backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Grist is an equal-opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.