Climate Solutions Reporter

Job Description

OVERVIEW

Across our organization, we're building a workplace where collaboration is essential, diverse voices are heard, and inclusion is the key to our success. We are committed to doing the right thing in our journalism and in every role at NPR. This means that integrity, adherence to our ethical standards, and compliance with legal obligations are fundamental responsibilities for every employee at NPR.

NPR seeks a creative, energetic journalist to give our audiences an understanding of the scientific, behavioral and policy solutions people are adopting to address the catastrophic consequences of climate change. NPR's climate solutions reporter would be responsible for producing clear, engaging stories for radio, digital and podcasts that would explain these innovative ideas, many of them complex and technical. We're looking for someone with the reporting skills to separate potentially feasible ideas from pie-in-the-sky. You would have the ability to delve into potential solutions without being naive or cynical-a fine line to walk.

The solutions reporter should also be eager and equipped to do accountability reporting. We need to point out projects that are simply greenwashing. We also need to reveal the individuals, corporations, social media networks and institutions working hard to derail climate solutions. We especially want to tell the stories of people in marginalized communities to help ensure that the climate future is just, and the solutions being considered are equitable. NPR's climate solutions reporter would be part of the network's climate team and work with reporters and editors in our energy and climate station collaborative.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Embody our team's values of collaboration, transparency, consideration, inclusivity and equity
• Communicate regularly with your supervisor, editors and colleagues about your ideas and reporting plans
• Report on what's happening now and figure out where the solutions story is going next.
• Show ease with and willingness to do breaking news stories, features and ambitious projects
• Explain complex ideas with clarity and accuracy
• Develop wide and deep sourcing
• Bring rigor and a fastidious attention to detail to every story
• Exhibit a strong command of climate science. You don't need to know everything. But you can't parse what works and what doesn't with climate change if you lack an understanding of how global warming works.
• Take criticism and suggestions graciously. We're all here to get better.

Who should apply? YOU, if:
• You're eager to show that humans can find ways to address climate change
• Your response when you hear of technological good news is, how real is this? And how do we find out?
• You enjoy deep dives into ideas or topics, always guided by the question, ''Why should people care?''
• You're comfortable reporting on businesses, workers, scientists and communities most severely affected by climate change.
• You are good at sourcing
• You seek to hold the powerful to account
• You have a strong sense of workflow. You are able to handle multiple projects simultaneously under stringent timeframes, with changing priorities and conditions.
• You have proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public radio system.
• You're willing to work a flexible schedule, if need be.

QUALIFICATIONS

EDUCATION: College degree or equivalent work experience in some field of climate journalism

REQUIRED:
• Cover letter describing some of the key lines of reporting you would pursue on this beat, no longer than one and a half pages.
• Demonstrated knowledge of and well developed curiosity about climate solutions
• Ability to talk about complicated or technical things in a clear, balanced and engaging way.
• Willingness to adhere to demanding editorial and fact-checking standards
• 5+ years journalism experience, with at least three (two) years in a deadline driven environment
• Proven ability to consistently work well with others, demonstrating at all times respect for the diverse constituencies at NPR and within the public media system;
• Willingness to learn skills necessary to work on various platforms, including radio, digital and podcast; ability to adapt to changes in equipment, software and workflow.
• The climate solutions reporter will be based in the US Remote work will be considered.

PREFERRED
• Accountability journalism experience
• Narrative journalism experience
• Audio journalism experience a plus but not required

WORK LOCATION: In the DC area or remote location

This position is covered under the terms of a collective bargaining agreement with SAG-AFTRA. The minimum annualized salary for this position is $85,000.00.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-rze7mq-18-118-137-243-42 in your application.