Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to highlighting climate solutions and uncovering environmental injustices. Since 1999, we have engaged and informed 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 in part to demonstrate the ways that a just and sustainable future is within reach. 

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 two areas of work: Our award-winning editorial program and our work to transform talent and representation within environmental storytelling.

We are seeking a Staff Writer to contribute to our enterprise coverage. We’re looking for someone with stellar news judgment, a passion for storytelling, a drive to develop their craft, and a deep commitment to provocative journalism.

The reporter will pitch, report, and write stories on topics at the intersection of the environment, climate, policy, and social justice. The right person for this job will be interested in approaching this beat from a narrative lens, producing rich stories that demonstrate how climate change is reshaping communities, economies, and ecosystems. We're also looking for someone who is always mindful of equity issues that are often at the root of human-based climate stories. A reporter who can reflect on trends in climate change policies, economics, culture, and science would thrive on this beat.

What does this role look like in practice? You’ll generally write 4 to 5 stories per month -- ranging from roughly 600 words to a few thousand -- and land a handful of enterprise projects per year. Grist is a small team, so you may also be asked to contribute to newsletters, collaborate on larger projects, appear in the occasional video, and represent Grist at conferences and workshops. 

The annual base pay for this position is between $72,500 - $95,000 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:

• Conceive of, report, write, and produce stories of varying lengths on topics at the intersection of the environment, climate, science, economics, policy, culture, and social justice
• Translate important trends and news in climate change into gripping prose that focuses on climate policy’s impact on everyday lives
• Contribute to Grist’s newsletters, special packages, and other projects, as requested
• Help mentor Grist fellows; be excited about sharing your methods and talents with your colleagues and learning about theirs 
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least 3 years of reporting experience, preferably focused on climate, energy, and the environment
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience
• Professional reporting experience, knowledge, and interest in climate
• A track record of covering stories of national importance and impact
• Comfort with magazine-style journalism
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities and deadlines
• Comfort with technology, social media, and digital tools for journalism
• Proficiency with desktop writing tools and web technologies for news gathering and publishing
• Superior organizational skills and obsessive attention to details
• Experience finding sharp, 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:

• Excitement about exploring innovative and creative ways to tell stories in a fast-moving environment, specifically for mobile devices
• Comfort with data sets or experience with data reporting
• A passion for helping Grist attract new, more diverse audiences for environmental stories
• A strong voice and no qualms about using it, but an aversion to preaching to the choir
• The ability to identify stories that will resonate online

BENEFITS

• Medical, dental and vision coverage paid 100% for Employee premiums and 85% for Dependent premiums
• Employer paid Basic Life, ADD, Travel Assistance, STD/LTD, EAPs
• Voluntary Insurance include Health, Dependent and Transit FSA, Life/ADD, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Traditional and Roth 401k with matching (vested immediately)
• Monthly WiFi Stipend
• Alternative Transportation Reimbursement
• Fifteen paid holidays per year (which includes office closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1) plus five floating holidays, one holiday to use within 30 days of your birthday, and 3 summer days
• Generous paid and unpaid leave programs 
• Annual in-person all-staff retreat (subject to pandemic conditions)
• 100% Remote work with drop-in offices available in Seattle, WA and Brooklyn, NY

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this position by March 17, 2023. Applications without both a resume and cover letter 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. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, medical condition or any protected category prohibited by local, state or federal laws.