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. This individual contributor position will play a key role in the management of new strategic content initiatives to build partnerships in the Midwest, Southeast, and with media outlets reaching rural audiences. To advance these initiatives, the role will collaborate closely with Grist’s CEO on planning and execution along with external partners, namely the Center for Rural Strategies – and their publication The Daily Yonder – where Grist has a longstanding collaboration.  

The role is focused on building and maintaining relationships with current and potential partners. Reporting to the Director of Innovation & Growth, this role will support and liaise with program teams across Grist – including Editorial and Fix, Grist’s Solutions Lab – 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. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and build business relationships with representatives from like-minded outlets and outlets in targeted geographic areas

• With respect to a special initiative with the Center for Rural Strategies, establish and manage a network of rural publishers

• Build and maintain syndication tracking and management tools (e.g. Rolodex of contacts, syndication tracking spreadsheet, virtual “hub” on Slack or elsewhere for content-sharing)

• Develop collaborative relationships with Grist editors and maintain visibility into org-wide publishing calendar

• Pitch Grist stories to other outlets, developing tailored pitches and press releases for large projects, as necessary

• Identify third-party content that would be of interest to Grist readers, and publish it on Grist, using Wordpress CMS

• Travel may be needed for specific partnerships

• Minimum of 5 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

• A bonus if a candidate has experience with rural audiences or communities

• Geographic preference for Minneapolis, MN or other Midwestern states 

Additional Information

Application Process:

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

1. Resume or C.V.

2. Cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for a scrappy team with big ideas.  Cover letters must be pasted in the Message to the Hiring Manager text box or attached as an additional attachment on screen two of the online application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. 

Compensation is dependent upon experience. 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.