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. 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.

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 Senior Editor of Environmental Justice  The Environmental Justice 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 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

• 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

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

• 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 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.

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 “Environmental Justice 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.