Overview

Founded in 1999, Mongabay is an award-winning environmental science and conservation news organization, which publishes original news on a daily basis in an objective (does not advocate), accurate (relies on facts and scientific information) and timely manner to a global audience of conservation scientists, private-sector decision-makers, government policymakers, civil society organizations, journalists in other media outlets, and interested members of the public. Mongabay’s readership across its news sites positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

By revealing the evidence of ecosystem destruction and its consequences for people worldwide, Mongabay creates opportunities to hold those responsible accountable. International efforts to address the threat commercial natural resource industries pose to the environment are being stymied by poor governance and a lack of accountability. Corruption and secrecy can often allow regulations meant to protect people and the environment to be ignored, and companies to disguise their continued complicity in environmental destruction and associated rights abuses. Most cases remain undocumented. And those which are exposed do not get explored to the extent needed to enable a proper understanding of how they occur and might be prevented in future. Mongabay’s Investigations Desk works to help fill these critical information gaps.

What Does the Investigations Editor Do?

Mongabay seeks an analytical, rigorous, and collaborative investigative journalist motivated to identify unanswered questions, develop hypotheses, assess and verify evidence, and organize facts to create compelling environmental reporting. The investigative editor will be responsible for organizing Mongabay’s investigative journalism activities across existing editorial subjects as well as developing new areas of inquiry by facilitating internal collaboration on cross-border investigation and improving organizational practices by systematizing research and fact-checking activities. This role requires proficiency in both investigative and data journalism practices to provide substantive assistance to editorial staff and contributors working around the world. For example, the editor will obtain and analyze documents and datasets; organize research about individuals, institutions and industries; manage encrypted communications; assess reporting plans in high-risk locations; fact-check reports prior to publication, and facilitate legal review.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Editorial Management & Production (90% of time)

• Work cooperatively with editorial staff to organize Mongabay’s investigative reporting activities and advance the organization’s methodologies and processes;
• Monitor, research and identify subjects to develop into investigative stories on topics relevant to Mongabay’s Investigations Desk;
• Edit and publish investigative journalism originating from story editors, staff writers, and freelance contributors;
• Generate pitch requests and conduct risk assessments of story proposals;
• Assign and commission original research and reporting;
• Manage commissioned assignments, including field travel;
• Maintain secure channels for communication and file sharing;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of articles;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication, including writing right of reply letters, and coordinating legal review;
• Source and/or produce visual content including charts, maps, photos, and videos, as needed, for each article
  produced;
• Develop and manage ongoing editorial and publishing partnerships between Mongabay and other media outlets;
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability;

Strategic Planning & Administration (10% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay’s VP of Programs & Executive Editor on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Provide supervisory oversight of staff, as applicable and provide job performance evaluation, and approval of personal leave on a needed basis;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Collect data on impacts of stories including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay.com headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, Zoom, and messaging platforms.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Five or more years of experience working as an investigative journalist is required, a reporting portfolio  including environmental topics and the ability to implement an investigative methodology is ideal;
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English, a multilingual candidate is ideal;
• Knowledge of and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues is essential, particularly awareness of agribusiness and extractive industries related topics is preferred;
• Experience participating in a collaborative cross-border investigative journalism project is preferred;
• Demonstrated editorial ability to synthesize, analyze, and interpret data and documents to communicate complex environmental topics for general audiences;
• Comfortable working with a variety of multimedia content including graphics, maps, illustrations, and videos;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, Social Media (Twitter / Facebook), and Asana (or similar project management system);
• Reliable access to high speed Internet is required;
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role (40 hours per week) and available during regular business hours.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

Due to our company culture and global work-at-home staff, the most successful employees at Mongabay excel at working independently and producing consistent high-quality journalistic content by taking the initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, an investigations editor:

• Demonstrates exceptional talent in writing/editing;
• Evaluates a diversity of information and data sources to produce original analyses;
• Organizes projects meticulously according to an established investigative methodology;
• Considers risks carefully and takes actions to mitigate them;
• Functions independently and produces high-quality work on deadline;
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment;
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and reliability;
• Contributes to the Mongabay team by communicating and working cooperatively with staff, while following
• through on tasks and delivering results;
• Fosters positive relationships with journalists and co-partnership media outlets;
• Adjusts approaches according to feedback;
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

TO APPLY

Apply online via the link below. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until filled. On the application, you will be asked to fill out basic contact information, pay rate expectations, reference information (2), and to upload the following two documents:

1. Cover letter – please provide specific examples of your experience related to this position, as well as specific examples of your ability to work effectively from home and meet deadlines (1 page)
2. Resume – (1-2 pages)
3. Two references

Applications must be submitted in English. Please note that you do not need to provide letters of recommendation and we will not reach out to references before getting your permission to do so.

Benefits, Holidays, and Paid Time Off 

It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule. 

We observe 11 holidays and support staff who celebrate other personal and religious holidays.  

Equal Employment Opportunity

Mongabay is an equal employment opportunity (EEO)/affirmative action employer and provides EEO to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetics, or any other status prohibited by law.

Questions

If you have questions about this role, please send an email to jobs at mongabay.org and mention the job title in the subject line. Please do not contact other members of staff with job queries as they are not likely involved in the hiring process for this role.

* The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications. Management reserves the right to change or modify such duties as required. All staff are responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.