| Date Posted | February 26, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Industry | Nonprofit |
| Specialty | Not Specified |
| Required Education | Bachelor's Degree |
| Remote / Telecommute | Telecommute |
| Job Status | Full-time |
| Salary | $90,000 - $110,000 |
Description:
This position is REMOTE
*** COVER LETTER REQUIRED ***
CHD Overview:
Children’s Health Defense (CHD) is a litigation advocacy organization dedicated to protecting child health, ending the epidemic of children’s chronic health conditions by eliminating harmful environmental exposures, holding those responsible accountable, and establishing safeguards. Guided by science, we are tackling big pharma, holding big industry accountable at an unprecedented scale, and establishing safeguards to make a safer environment for children. We share our discoveries about harmful environmental exposures with the public and nurture a culture of leadership in communities. Our programs and resources cultivate science literacy and build a foundation of collaborative problem-solving among our next generation of leaders, scientists, physicians, citizens, and stewards. Working both nationally and internationally, our collaborative approach engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners.
Department Overview:
The Defender department encompasses two services that bring the latest news and resources to our community, The Defender and Community Forum.
The Defender is the news and views website for CHD. We publish the Top News of the Day newsletter, Monday - Friday, and the Most Read News of the Week on Sundays.
Community Forum covers community news and views, including chapter news, and CHD advocacy efforts, including action alerts. The Community Forum site hosts the community calendar and an interactive message board where paid members/subscribers can connect with others around shared interests. Some Community Forum content is included in the Defender daily newsletter.
Position Overview:
The Investigative Reporter will cover federal regulatory agency news and policy, with a focus on health, food, environment, and agriculture. The Investigative Reporter works directly with the Editor-in-Chief and editorial staff to develop story ideas and write trending and in-depth news and stories. The Investigative Reporter is responsible for pitching story ideas to the editors and may be asked to cover general assignments in addition to agency/policy news.
Responsibilities:
Develop and maintain journalistic sources within key federal agencies, including:
United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS)
Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Produce comprehensive news, investigative and feature articles covering:
Agricultural policy and legislation
Food safety / nutrition regulations and initiatives
Public health policy, including pharma industry and chemical industry regulations affecting food and the environment
Regulatory changes affecting farming and food production
Conduct interviews with policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, and advocacy groups
Develop data-driven stories that explain complex policy implications for general audiences
Research and write breaking news and in-depth news stories based on leads or as assigned
Work with editors to develop newsworthy stories tailored to The Defender’s audience
Rework pieces as requested by editors and update pieces as needed for ongoing or developing stories
Meet all deadlines as requested by editors
Assist in maintaining The Defender’s experts database by adding experts on specific topics who can be interviewed for future stories
Work collaboratively with Defender team and others to produce quality work under tight deadlines
Confirm details with a source(s) with detailed accuracy and a developed timeline (when needed) related to content for articles,
May be asked to assist other writers in identifying sources to quote for stories and cultivate sources who can provide news tips
May be asked to review, edit and refine other writers’ work
May be asked to train more new staff members as needed
Attend CHD/Defender meetings and events as required
Respond to calls, emails and text communications in a timely manner
All other duties as assigned
Minimum Requirements:
Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or public policy
Minimum 3-5 years of experience in political or policy reporting
Proven track record in breaking significant investigate news stories
Experience in filing / reading FOIA requests
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Knowledge and alignment with CHD’s mission and values
An exceptional understanding of online news + inverted pyramid style of reporting
Strong interviewing skills
Excellent attention to detail
Ability to work independently and collaboratively under deadline pressure
Ability to multitask and prioritize
DESIRED:
Fluency in data journalism and statistical analysis
Strong knowledge of AP Stylebook
Proficient in standard business software including but not limited to MS Office or similar, email , and Experience using Google Workspace
In addition to base compensation, this position may be eligible for the following benefits, where applicable:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Supplemental benefits through Aflac
- Retirement plan participation
- Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays
- Life insurance
- Employee assistance programs
- Professional development opportunities
Benefits are subject to eligibility requirements and plan terms and may be modified by the organization.
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