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Reporter

Grist Magazine, Inc., Seattle, WA, United States


Grist is a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to reporting on climate change. Since 1999, we have used the power of journalism to engage the public about the perils of one of the most existential threats we face. We seek to document the often unequal impacts of climate change on communities in the United States and globally — as well as to show the promise of equitable climate solutions.

Over the past eight years, we have scaled from a largely Seattle-based team of 25-30 to a nationally distributed organization of ~50. Our vision is to ignite public urgency and action on climate change for a thriving planet that benefits everyone. We work toward our vision by creating thought-provoking journalism and multimedia storytelling that drive the climate change conversation.

Grist’s journalism has been recognized with dozens of awards and nominations in recent years, including for general excellence from the National Magazine Award, the Edward R Murrow Awards, and the Online Journalism Awards. According to a fall 2025 survey, 100% of staff would recommend Grist to a friend.

Position Overview Grist is seeking a reporter to anchor our daily and weekly coverage as driven by the news cycle. We're looking for someone who can move quickly and thoughtfully on the biggest climate stories of the day, delivering sharp analysis, fresh angles, and clear context for readers trying to understand what just happened — and why it matters.

The reporter will pitch, report, and write stories on topics at the intersection of climate change, policy, politics, and culture. They will strive to connect the dots between what is happening in the world and a warming planet, providing context and clarity that help readers understand the pervasive impact climate change has on Americans’ lives. That might mean reporting on a federal climate policy rollback one day, then unpacking the climate messaging embedded in Bad Bunny’s Superbowl halftime show the next.

An early-career reporter who is driven by curiosity and urgency would thrive in this role. As would someone who is always mindful of equity issues that are often at the root of human-based climate stories, and the emerging solutions to the climate crisis.

What does this role look like in practice? You’ll generally write 5‑7 stories per month, ranging from 600‑1,500 words, with the possibility to work on a few enterprise projects per year, as opportunities arise. Grist is a small team, so you may also be asked to contribute to newsletters, collaborate on larger projects, appear in the occasional video, and represent Grist at conferences and workshops.

The annual base pay for this position is between $65,000 - $72,000 depending on experience. Grist is based in Seattle, but the job doesn’t have to be. We have staff around the country. This position is represented by Pacific Northwest Newspaper Guild Local 37082 ("Grist NewsGuild").

Responsibilities

Conceive of, report, write, and produce stories of varying lengths on topics at the intersection of climate change, policy, politics, and culture

Produce 5-7 stories per month, ranging from 600-1,500 words

Translate important trends and news in climate change so readers can understand a warming planet’s impact on everyday lives

Contribute to Grist’s newsletters, special packages, and other projects, as requested

Be excited about sharing your methods and talents with your colleagues and learning about theirs

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

At least two years of relevant experience, preferably focused on climate, energy, and the environment (including fellowships, internships, or academic projects)

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent work experience

Professional reporting experience, knowledge, and interest in climate

A track record of covering stories of national importance and impact

Experience finding sharp, provocative angles on the news of the day

Comfort with magazine-style journalism

Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, juggling multiple priorities and deadlines

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

Proficiency with desktop writing tools and web technologies for news gathering and publishing

Superior organizational skills and obsessive attention to details

Ability to work independently, demonstrate good personal judgment, and exercise a commitment to ethical conduct toward sources, story subjects, and readers

Excellent communication, interpersonal, and writing skills

Demonstrated poise, tact, diplomacy, and the ability to interact with individuals at all levels of the organization

Preferred Skills

Excitement about exploring innovative and creative ways to tell stories in a fast-moving news environment

A passion for helping Grist reach new audiences with climate news and information

The ability to identify stories that will resonate with readers and demonstrate the intersectionality of climate change

A keen sense of what people are talking about, and ability to monitor a wide variety of sources to stay on top of the zeitgeist

Interest in, and ideas for, delivering news on non-Grist platforms like newsletters and social media

Hiring Process Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter explaining why you’re a great fit for this position.

Here’s what you can expect from our hiring process:

30-minute pre‑screen interview with a member of our HR team

60-minute Zoom interview with potential colleagues

60-minute Zoom interview with hiring manager

60-minute Zoom interview with department head

Candidates who are asked to submit a work as a part of the hiring process (i.e., writing test or case study) will be compensated $200.00.

If you have any questions or need to request an accommodation, please send an email to hr@grist.org.

Benefits

Medical, dental and vision coverage paid 100% for Employee premiums and 85% for Dependent premiums

Employer paid Basic Life, ADD, Travel Assistance, STD/LTD, EAPs

Voluntary Insurance include Health, Dependent and Transit FSA, Life/ADD, Critical Illness and Accident Insurance

Traditional and Roth 401k with matching (vested immediately)

New Employee Remote Office Set‑up reimbursement

Monthly WiFi Stipend

Alternative Transportation Reimbursement

Fifteen paid holidays per year (which includes office closure between Dec 25 and Jan 1) plus five floating holidays and 3 summer days

Generous paid leave including medical and family leave, parental leave, abortion leave, sabbatical leave and many other paid and unpaid leave programs

Annual in‑person all‑staff retreat (subject to pandemic conditions)

Equal Opportunity Employer Grist Magazine, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment, free of discrimination and harassment, where our staff can be their authentic selves. All of our employment decisions are based on business needs, without regard to race, color, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, or any other status protected by laws where we operate.

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