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 average roughly eight million unique visitors each month, which positions the organization as one of the top sources of environmental news, analysis, information, and inspiration on the Internet.

WHAT DOES THE WIRE REPORTER DO?

The full-time wire reporter is expected to produce at least three short, non-technical articles per day about conservation and environmental issues in English. The main reporting responsibility is to cover breaking news related to Mongabay’s editorial coverage priorities, such as the status high conservation value ecosystems and wildlife, the actions of natural resource industries, extreme weather events, environmental governance and policy.  This role will also publish summaries and excerpts of Mongabay features and investigative reports as well as aggregate information from news outlets and scientific journals.

The Wire Reporter will research and write quick turnaround short-form articles, news briefs, event alerts and video scripts working closely with colleagues in the Mongabay’s editorial team to discuss story ideas and coverage plans. This position is expected to both generate story ideas aligned with Mongabay’s editorial priorities and deliver on assignments provided by staff editors. This person should have strong analytical skills and the ability to discern what articles are important and relevant to a general audience. Extensive knowledge and familiarity with environmental issues is a strong positive.

KEY DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

WRITING, REPORTING, EDITING, PUBLISHING (90% of time)

• Write, edit, and publish short articles and news briefs (500 words or less) on topics related to the environment and conservation via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress) and other distribution channels (i.e social, email, messaging apps);
• Work cooperatively with Mongabay editors to produce news alerts, video scripts, and daily short-form articles, consistently of high quality;
• Effectively research and generate story ideas;
• Aggregate and summarize Mongabay’s publication and relevant information from third-party sources;
• Research, fact-check, and verify information in articles prior to publication;
• Cultivate sources, in the mold of a beat reporter;
• Conduct interviews, phone calls and/or meetings, and perform other research as needed;
• Source and/or produce visual content including photos, videos, charts, and maps;
• Write, edit and post short articles and news briefs via Mongabay’s content management system (WordPress) and other distribution platforms, such as chat messages and newsfeeds.
• 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 Newswire Editor and Executive Editor and on progress toward meeting reporting objectives;
• Support editorial planning to reach established goals in the set timeline;
• Collect data on impacts of articles including examples of republication for use in grant reports;
• Must be able to work within tight deadlines and be responsive to Mongabay headquarters and to other Mongabay staffers via email, Asana, Zoom, Skype, phone, and messaging platforms.

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 a second language is ideal;
• Knowledge and familiarity with conservation and environmental issues is essential;
• Professional journalism experience working in a quick turnaround, high volume production role;
• 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 (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube) and project management software;
• Reliable access to high-speed Internet is required;
• Must be willing to commit to a full-time role and available during regular business hours;

PROFESSIONAL QUALITIES

This position will play a critical role in the scale-up of Mongabay’s environmental short-form news reporting efforts. Due to our organization’s culture and global work-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 and;
• 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. 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

Apply online here. 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 (1-2 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

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.

 

* 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 is responsible for following applicable Mongabay policies and procedures as defined by their manager and Employment Handbook.