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 Environmental Justice Fellow to join our Editorial team. This fellowship will run for six months, beginning in July 2021. The fellow will report to the Managing Editor.

THE GRIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

 As an environmental justice 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. 

Fellows can be based anywhere in the United States. Global health conditions permitting, at a future date there may be opportunities to work out of Grist’s Seattle office or New York co-working space. All fellows who work remotely will be encouraged to report on stories in their home community.

With the mentorship and support of Grist’s editorial staff, the environmental justice fellow will report on the connections between social inequality and the environment. You will explore the ways in which the environmental movement can become more inclusive, especially in the current moment — and how communities of color are developing new ways to fight for cleaner air and water and safer neighborhoods. We’re especially interested in journalism that identifies communities and people working on homegrown solutions.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and pitch ideas for stories that look at the effects of climate change and pollution on marginalized communities — as well as what those communities are doing to protect themselves

• Write multiple stories — quick news or analysis pieces — each week

• 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

• Strong understanding of Grist’s brand

• Demonstrated familiarity with environmental and climate justice

• 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 and environmental justice issues

• 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 justice 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 pasted in the Message to the Hiring Manager text box. Incomplete applications will not be considered. For fellowships that begin July 2021, please submit applications by 5pm PT on Tuesday, May 18, 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.