Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Our goal is to use the power of storytelling to illuminate the way toward a better world, inspire millions of people to walk that path with us, and show that the time for action is now. 

Our mission is to make the story of a better future so irresistible you want it right now. Over the past four years, Grist has scaled from a Seattle based team of 20-25 to a nationally distributed organization of ~60 with a growing budget. Grist’s strategy centers on climate, justice, and solutions and we implement our mission through three areas of work: Our award-winning Editorial Program; Fix, our newly launched Solutions Lab; and, our work to transform talent and representation within environmental storytelling. 

Grist seeks an Editor at Large to conceive, report, and execute project-level stories for Grist.org. This role will also involve editing longform stories, as well as other projects.

We are looking for someone with a track record of producing high-impact work, both as a reporter and editor. The ideal candidate not only has a knack for in-depth storytelling, but can envision a final product early in a story process that might include multimedia elements ranging from audio to drone videography to interactive data visualizations. 

This role is best suited for a player/coach journalist -- someone who identifies stories that they would be the ideal reporter on, but is also comfortable handing off stories to others and then shepherding them to publish. Also, having cultural competency in reporting on Indigenous groups, as well as experience devising and landing investigations is a plus.

As a member of the editorial team, you’ll also work with the executive editor to help shape Grist’s larger strategy. You’ll occasionally be called on to help your fellow editors untangle threads in particularly knotty longform stories. And you’ll help mentor the editorial fellows who join our distributed newsroom in six-month stints.

Responsibilities:

• Conceive of, report, and write features and project-level stories, including investigations

• Assign and edit features from staff reporters and freelance journalists

• Contribute to collaborative special projects and multimedia storytelling projects

• Hire and manage freelancers and contributors

• Help shape editorial and organizational strategy

• Provide support to Grist’s nascent Indigenous affairs desk

• Help recruit editorial fellows

• Providing regular feedback to fellows

• Assist Grist in fundraising opportunities, as requested

• Other duties as assigned

Key Competencies and Role Requirements:

• Journalism or Communications Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent work experience

• At least five years of experience working in digital, print, or broadcast journalism

• Impeccable news judgment and ethics

• Excellent writing and editing skills

• Strong organizational skills and ability to juggle multiple tasks and deadlines

• A self-starter who can manage your workload with minimal supervision

• Ability to work collaboratively with a creative team to solve problems and achieve common goals

• Digital reporting/writing experience preferred; portfolio submission and/or writing assignment is highly likely as part of the interview process

• Experience with video and audio production tools, photography, social media is a plus

• Investigative reporting background a plus

• Experience covering Indigenous affairs a plus

Application Process:

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  In order to be considered for this role, applicants must apply on or before Wednesday, September 22, 2021.  

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter why you’re a great fit for this role. Applications without both a resume and statement will not be considered. 

Total compensation package includes a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision insurance. 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.