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.

Indigenous peoples’ stewardship of natural resources is increasingly being recognized as a critical priority in efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and maintain the ecosystems that sustain the planet. Yet Indigenous communities continue to face grave threats when it comes to protecting their lands. Some Indigenous peoples are challenged by governments’ failure to recognize their land rights and the loss of traditional knowledge, which erodes cultural identity. The lack of secure land tenure among Indigenous communities is an important factor in the proliferation of deforestation, biodiversity loss, human rights abuses and rising inequality. Indigenous lands are often targeted for industrial resource extraction, oil and gas development, mining, logging, and infrastructure projects. This industrial resource extraction is having profound impacts on Indigenous communities, who are disproportionately affected by environmental degradation.

Recognizing that life experiences and perspectives are critical to report effectively on issues related to Indigenous peoples and communities, Mongabay is seeking candidates who identify as Indigenous or have extensive experience living and working in Indigenous communities. The Indigenous News Reporter will help expand Mongabay’s news coverage of Indigenous-led conservation projects and other environmental issues that affect or are relevant to Indigenous communities and cultures in both international and local contexts.

WHAT DOES THE INDIGENOUS NEWS REPORTER DO?

The full-time staff writer position is expected to produce an average of eight news stories per month about conservation and environmental issues relevant to Indigenous peoples, communities, and cultures. We expect stories to be published primarily in English, though candidates who can report in English and either Spanish or Portuguese is a plus. 

This staff writer will develop and produce articles working closely with colleagues in the Mongabay editorial team to discuss story ideas and coverage plans. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what stories are important and of interest to readers. Extensive knowledge and familiarity with Indigenous communities, environmental issues, and/or conservation are strong positives.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Writing, reporting, editing, and publishing (90% of time)

• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors to produce multiple news reports and/or features per week, consistently of high quality and on time;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed, to gather background for the planning of stories and article series;
• Cultivate sources, in the mold of a beat reporter;
• Occasional commissioning and editing of articles from freelance journalists;
• Occasional travel for reporting assignments;
• Research, fact-check, and review articles prior to publication;
• Source and/or produce visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps;
• Occasional aggregation of news from third-party sources;
• Write, edit and post stories via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress).
• Provide other support as needed to ensure content meets Mongabay’s high standards of professionalism, consistency, authenticity, and reliability

Strategic planning and administration (10% of time)

• Report regularly to Mongabay’s Global Program Director on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• 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, video call, phone, and text.

EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS

• Three or more years of experience working in journalism / editorial / writing required;
• Exceptional fluency (writing and speaking) in English is required and proficiency in Spanish, Portuguese, or French is ideal;
• Individuals who identify as an Indigenous person, or who have experience living in or working in Indigenous communities are strongly encouraged to apply;
• Knowledge and familiarity with Indigenous conservation, environmental, socio-economic and political issues is essential;
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills;
• Demonstrated editorial ability to work with a variety of content including formatting of feature articles, graphics, photo captions, and HTML;
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, WordPress (or similar), Google Drive, Social Media (Twitter / Facebook) and project management software;
• 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;
• Must be able to travel internationally on occasion as needed.

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

At the heart of Mongabay is a spirit of innovation. We’re open to trying new ideas, adapting existing models, and phasing out underperforming projects in our quest to deliver the best products and services possible given our resources. Due to our culture and global at-home staff, the most successful staffs at Mongabay are adept at working independently and produce consistent high-quality journalistic work by taking initiative and thinking creatively about solutions to problems. In this context, this person:

• Is extremely self-directed, motivated, and reliable.
• Demonstrates talent in writing and editing.
• Functions independently and produces high quality work with tight deadlines.
• Understands ethical and editorial journalistic standards.
• Makes timely decisions and demonstrates good judgment.
• Integrates cross-cultural dynamics into their thinking.
• Maintains a strong sense of professionalism and communication.
• Adjusts approaches according to feedback.
• 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.
• Demonstrates personal integrity and ability to maintain confidentiality.

COMPENSATION & LOCATION

As a globally distributed organization, there is no required location for this position. However, location is a consideration and an ability to coordinate with colleagues working in a diversity of time zones is strongly preferred. This position will be hired on a 12-month contract to start. Mongabay aims to offer competitive pay rates that will attract, retain, and motivate our full-time staff. Please submit a pay range when applying.

TO APPLY

We are no longer accepting applications for this role. 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 (1-2 pages)
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 

If eligible, U.S employees will be invited to participate and select available health plans through our Professional Employer Organization. It is important for all staff to step away from work to renew themselves. That is why Mongabay also provides generous paid time off (PTO) for professional development, holidays, sick time, rest and relaxation, and vacation including a flexible work schedule. 

We observe 10 U.S Federal 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. We encourage candidates who identify as Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ people, and people with disabilities to apply.

 

* 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 or Employment Handbook.