Environmental reporter

Description:

ecoRI News, a nonprofit environmental digital news organization based in Rhode Island, is seeking a full-time reporter to join our newsroom. 

Since 2009, our mission has been to produce rigorous local journalism that explains complex environmental issues and holds polluters and elected officials to account in the Ocean State. Through our reporting, we create a more informed public and provide individuals with the information they need to be better stewards of their environment. We are the only newsroom in the region solely dedicated to covering the environment.

Job responsibilities

• Report long- and short-form pieces that contextualize the environmental challenges faced by the communities we cover in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts.

• Report on local solutions to environmental problems.

• Investigate polluters and hold elected officials to account and state agencies to account.

• Build trust and cultivate sources.

• Generate and pitch story ideas.

• Contribute to the evolution of ecoRI News’ editorial vision.

• Shoot photos and videos to accompany stories.

Qualifications

• Strong interest in environmental and climate-justice issues and an alignment with ecoRI News' mission.

• A reporter’s sense of urgency and a nose for a good story.

• Uncompromising news judgement and dedication to journalism ethics.

• Relentless curiosity, critical thinking, a sharp eye for detail, and the ability to digest and make sense of wide-ranging and complex information.

• Exceptional writing and reporting craft.

• The ability to work on multiple stories simultaneously.

• Team-centric approach and appreciation for collaboration.

• Social media savvy.

• Be sensitive to the challenges and opportunities of reporting in vulnerable communities that suffer the most from the climate crisis and global heating.

Preferred qualifications

• Fluency in a second language (Spanish).

• Ability to shoot photos and video.

Salary and benefits

The final salary offer for this position will depend on experience and qualifications. Salary range is $50,000-$55,000. 

ecoRI News offers a supportive work environment, retirement benefits with company match, professional development opportunities, health benefits stipend, flexible work schedule, 15 days of vacation to start, plus one paid week off in July. We also offer remote work flexibility; however, reporters are required to live in our coverage area.

ecoRI News is committed to building an inclusive newsroom that represents and reflects the people and communities we seek to serve. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQ+ community.

To apply, send resume, cover letter, and links to 5-7 of your best clips to bonnie@ecoRI.org.