Reflect America Fellow

Job Description

OVERVIEW

For its 2023-24 Reflect America Fellowship, NPR is seeking an early- or mid-career journalist to spend a year reporting on climate change and its impact on vulnerable people, particularly Indigenous communities.

The fellow will embed with NPR's new Climate Desk, where they'll pitch and report stories on one of the world's most important beats. Fellows will work and learn alongside journalists at NPR and member stations whose award-winning stories reach millions of listeners and readers.

The fellow will build skills in essential aspects of climate reporting. They will learn to understand and analyze climate science, the foundation of all climate reporting. They will work on accountability and investigative stories to assess the people, organizations and systems that delay or derail action needed to address climate change. And they will learn to assess potential solutions to climate threats, including those that underserved communities are exploring.

We are looking for someone who can break news and provide the incisive, in-depth reporting that's the hallmark of NPR journalism. Working with the NPR training team and journalists across platforms, fellows will learn and improve their skills in audio and digital storytelling as they report.

Candidates should value learning and have a passion for finding the critical ways climate change connects to a broad range of community matters such as public health, infrastructure policy, politics, water rights and climate justice.

RESPONSIBILITIES
• Research, pitch and report stories focused on climate change in vulnerable communities, particularly Indigenous communities across North America
• Work with editors, producers and reporters on the Climate and Science desks to bring new voices from the beat
• Produce stories for all editorial platforms, including digital and visual media, social networks and various audio platforms, with the goal of reaching the largest audiences with the biggest impact
• Develop skills in assessing scientific studies
• Deliver stories about possible solutions to the climate risks most communities face
• Contribute to investigative and accountability projects
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS
• At least two years journalism experience (including internships and fellowships) in any medium)
• Experience writing with accuracy and clarity
• Demonstrated interest in how climate change affects vulnerable communities
• Interest in learning climate science, investigative reporting techniques and solutions reporting
• Experience using social media platforms as reporting tools
• Proven ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Critical thinking skills and a healthy lens of skepticism

EDUCATION:

A college degree or equivalent work experience

WORK LOCATION:

This is a remote permitted role. This role is based out of our DC office but the employee may choose to work on a remote basis from a location that NPR approves.

PREFERRED SKILLS
• Experience reporting in vulnerable communities, particularly Indigenous communities across North America
• Familiarity with data journalism tools and techniques
• Language skills other than English

Does this sound like you? If so, we want to hear from you.

What do I need in order to apply?

In lieu of a cover letter, each completed application must include answers to the following questions. These questions are designed to gauge how you think about reporting and about the journalism profession. Be specific and use your answers to set yourself apart:
• • What are three climate stories happening right now in North America that you think NPR should focus on in 2023? Why are they important?
• Besides major news outlets, what people, accounts and outlets do you follow to stay informed?
• Tell us about a time when you pitched a story that was rejected. What did you learn from that experience?
• Tell us about an NPR climate story that you think could have been improved by better, more inclusive framing or different sources. Who else would you have interviewed? Why?
• Upload five links of your best journalistic work.
• Provide contact information for two people who can speak to your work ethic, journalistic skills and passion for inclusive coverage.
• Upload your resume.

The estimated annualized salary for this position is $70,000.

Jobcode: Reference SBJ-gwjjy2-3-145-93-210-42 in your application.