Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to highlighting climate solutions and uncovering environmental injustices. Since 1999, we have used the power of journalism to engage the public about the perils of the most existential threat we face. Now that three-quarters of Americans recognize that climate change is happening, we’ve shifted our focus to show that a just and sustainable future is within reach. Grist’s editorial team leads the conversation on climate change and climate action, producing daily news and analysis pieces, as well as video and longform stories, on humanity’s attempt to grapple with the most critical issue it faces.

Grist is seeking an Indigenous Affairs Fellow to join our Editorial team. This fellowship will run for six months, beginning January 31, 2022. The fellow will report to the Special Projects Editor.

THE GRIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

As an Indigenous Affairs fellow at Grist, you will be a part of our larger fellowship program, which aims to provide a formative experience in a geographically distributed but tight-knit newsroom and professional development for early-career journalists. We will encourage full participation in staff discussions and meetings and seek input on issues large and small. 

With the mentorship and support of Grist’s editorial staff, the Indigenous Affairs fellow will report on the connections and impact of Indigenous nations and people on the environment. This is an admittedly broad canvas, including everything from foodways to treaty rights, traditional ecological knowledge to the Land Back movement. 

The beat is especially important in the current moment, with the U.S. Department of Interior now being run by its first Indigenous leader, Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). Indigenous people have been coming up with solutions to land and resource management for centuries, long before the first settler appeared on the shores of this continent. The goal is to create eye-opening content for Indigenous nations and communities as well as non-Indigenous readers.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and pitch ideas for timely and solutions-oriented stories on Indigenous people and culture and the environment

• If possible, be available for quick news pieces

• Contribute to Grist’s daily newsletter The Beacon

• Other duties, like research, web production, and fact-checking, may be assigned from time to time

• Pitch and write one enterprise/feature story in the second half of your fellowship

• Contribute periodically to larger projects

• Four-year degree, or equivalent professional experience

• Successful candidates must demonstrate strong cultural competency in Indigenous issues and culture

• Strong understanding of Grist’s brand

• Demonstrated experience in research or reporting

• Demonstrated comfort with writing on deadline

• Ability to make a full-time, six-month commitment

BENEFITS

• This fellowship is a paid, six-month opportunity ($3334/month) for early-career journalists

• Fellows are eligible for Grist health benefits coverage, including medical, vision, and dental

• Fellows come away with six months of solid newsroom experience, a body of clips, and fluency in climate, science, and environmental policy issues

• Fellows across Grist meet regularly as a cohort with members of the editorial staff to develop skills and content knowledge specific to climate journalism

• Through our Newsroom Training Series, fellows are also trained on a range of crucial skills, from filing FOIA requests to audio/video script-writing

• Fellows benefit from full integration into the workings of a busy and exciting nonprofit media organization

THE APPLICATION

Applicants must submit the following application materials.  Applications without both a resume and cover letter will not be considered.  

1. Resume

2. Cover letter, including links to two writing samples. We are looking for a succinct, thoughtful cover letter that explains what you think are the most important environmental news and politics topics and stories to follow in the next six months — and why you're the right person to cover them for Grist. Please also include links to two writing samples within your cover letter (or alternatively, append them to the end of your cover letter).

SUBMISSION INSTRUCTIONS:  PLEASE READ

Cover letters must be uploaded as a separate attachment via Smart Recruiter. Please include “Indigenous Affairs Fellow” in the document title. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For fellowships that begin January 31 2022, please submit applications by November 15, 2021. 

 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.