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 Indigenous Affairs Fellow to join our Editorial team. 

As an Indigenous Affairs 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. 

As an Indigenous Affairs 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.

With the mentorship and support of Grist’s editorial staff, the Indigenous Affairs fellow will report on the connections between Indigenous communities and the environment, and the impact of climate change and policy, including everything from foodways to treaty law, #LandBack to UNDRIP.

The beat is especially important in the current moment, with the U.S. Department of Interior now being run by its first Indigenous leader, Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo). As well, the United Nations reports that Indigenous peoples represent 5 percent of the global population but protect nearly 80 percent of the world's remaining biodiversity. With threats to lands, territories and resources in the U.S. and abroad, this fellowship will be designed to create eye-opening journalism that explores the intersections of capitalism, environmental degradation, climate policy, and Indigenous self-determination.

This fellowship is a full-time position and will run for six months, beginning August 1, 2022 and ending January 31, 2023. The fellow will report to the Editor at Large. The Indigenous Affairs Fellow is a member of Grist’s collective bargaining unit.

Applicants must be eligible to work in the U.S.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and pitch ideas for timely and solutions-oriented stories on Indigenous people and culture and the environment

• If possible, be available for quick news pieces

• 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

• Successful candidates must demonstrate strong cultural competency in Indigenous issues and culture

• Strong understanding of Grist’s brand

• Demonstrated experience in research or reporting

• Demonstrated comfort with writing on deadline

• Ability to make a full-time, six-month commitment

BENEFITS

THE GRIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

• 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 across Grist meet regularly as a cohort with members of the editorial staff to develop skills and content knowledge specific to climate journalism

• Fellows benefit from full integration into the workings of a busy and exciting nonprofit media organization

THE GRIST FELLOWSHIP PROGRAM

As an Indienous Affairs 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 hub. All fellows who work remotely will be encouraged to report on stories in their region.

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 news and politics 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 uploaded as a separate attachment via Smart Recruiter. Please include “Indigenous Affairs Fellow” in the document title. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please submit applications by 11:59 PT on Friday, May 13, 2022.

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.