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 three areas of work: Our award-winning editorial program; Fix, our newly launched solutions lab; and our work to transform talent and representation within environmental storytelling. 

As Grist’s solutions lab, Fix shares innovative ideas for what a more sustainable and equitable future could look like, and amplifies stories of the people and solutions already moving us toward it. Through creative storytelling, network-building, and events, Fix introduces a new narrative of what’s possible to address climate change and build a better world.

Overview

Fix, Grist’s solutions lab, is seeking a writer to join our storytelling team and help us tell stories that explore what a clean, green, just future could look like, and about the people and solutions that can get us there. 

The writer will pitch, report, and write climate solutions-focused stories for our bimonthly digital issues (like our recent Outdoors Issue) and contribute to Looking Forward, our biweekly newsletter. They will also contribute to the annual Grist 50 list of emerging climate and justice leaders, a flagship project of Fix. We are looking for someone who is well versed in the principles of journalism and enjoys thinking creatively about how to tell impactful stories. 

The ideal candidate is knowledgeable about environmental justice and climate solutions and is excited to focus on those areas. They have a keen sense for the stories that will resonate with a digital audience, and can report empathetically and authentically about frontline communities. This writer will contribute a wide variety of story types,  from Q&As to long-form features. We are looking for someone who is eager to develop in this role, and to work closely with our editors to hone and grow their storytelling skills. 

A great Fix writer will bring bold, creative ideas about the stories we tell, how we tell them, and how we engage audiences. Experience with multimedia storytelling, engagement storytelling (user-generated or social-first content), or other creative approaches to storytelling is a plus.

Grist has hubs in Seattle and New York, but this job can be based anywhere in the country (and Fix’s staff is primarily remote). This position is a member of Grist’s collective bargaining unit.

Responsibilities

• Contribute timely, creative, and well reported story ideas for our bimonthly digital magazine and for Fix’s Looking Forward newsletter.

• Pitch and write a variety of story forms, including profiles, Q&As, and reported features.

• Contribute to Grist 50 and other Fix storytelling projects.

• Collaborate with other members of the Fix team on storytelling projects and cross-team initiatives. 

• Other duties, like research, production, fact-checking or copy-editing, may be assigned as needed.

• 1-3 years of relevant experience in climate journalism, solutions journalism, or related climate/EJ storytelling. Candidates with an academic or professional background in climate solutions and/or climate justice will also be considered.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

• Strong foundation in journalism best practices.

• Passion for climate/environmental journalism and storytelling, with a focus on solutions and equity. 

• Experience finding sharp, provocative, exciting stories.

• Proven ability to write with nuance, authenticity, and empathy about climate issues and frontline communities.

• Comfort with multiple story forms, including Q&As, explainers, service pieces, and features. 

• Interest in exploring creative story forms is a must; multimedia storytelling, engagement journalism, and/or other alternative storytelling experience would be a plus.

• Strong understanding of Fix’s brand.

• Comfort with technology, social media, and digital tools for journalism.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this position, including links to 3-5 clips, by July 7, 2022. 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. 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. kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.