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 Innovation and Growth team supports and supplements work across Grist, ensuring that our storytelling is impactful and reaches a wide audience. 

Grist seeks an entrepreneurial self-starter with experience in media to develop and lead content distribution, syndication, and republication with a wide variety of media partners. The position will play a key role in the management of strategic content initiatives to build partnerships in the Midwest, Southeast, and with media outlets reaching rural audiences. 

The role is focused on building and maintaining collaborative relationships with current and potential partners. Reporting to the Director of Innovation & Growth, this role will support and liaise with program teams across Grist to amplify the impact of Grist’s content for a range of audiences. 

We are looking for a roll-up-your-sleeves team member who is entrepreneurial, curious, self-motivated, service-minded, creative, a problem solver, and a collaborative team player. The ideal candidate will have a demonstrated ability to manage and develop new media partnerships and a stellar track record of project management. 

The annual base pay for this position is between $65,330 and $94,080 depending on experience. Grist is based in Seattle, but the job doesn’t have to be. We have staff around the country. This position is represented by Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild Local 37082 (“Grist NewsGuild”).

Responsibilities

• Develop and build relationships with representatives from media outlets across the country to promote content sharing and project collaborations.

• Maintain visibility into Grist’s publishing calendar and pitch Grist stories to other outlets for syndication. 

• Establish and project manage long-term collaborative partnerships.

• Build and maintain a tracking tool that captures where Grist’s journalism has appeared, from news sites to newsletters.

• Establish a workflow for gathering story analytics from publishers who have syndicated our work.

• Work closely with Grist’s editorial team to identify innovative ways to reach new audiences, both on– and off–platform.

• Develop and maintain relationships between Grist and third-party news referrers, such as Apple News and Microsoft Start.

• Share lessons on best practices for collaborations and syndications internally to Grist staff and externally at conferences. 

• As part of a special initiative with the Center for Rural Strategies, establish and manage a network of rural publishers.

• Build out syndication networks around partner newsrooms in the Midwest and Southeast where Grist places reporters.

• Travel may be needed for specific partnerships

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in a similar role.

• Bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, or equivalent work experience

• Strong business relationship-building skills.

• Demonstrated track record of managing and executing ambitious media projects.

• Strong understanding of and experience in the media sector, ideally in content partnerships.

• Highly independent, organized, and proactive; able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

• Have a roll-up-your-sleeves mindset

• Customer-service mindset.

• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills, communicates effectively with multiple stakeholders.

APPLICATION PROCESS

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

Total compensation 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, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.