Southerly is bringing on a part-time correspondent to write two stories per month about the Gulf Coast. This person will have the opportunity to cover everything from state and federal environmental policies’ impacts on local communities, to public health concerns about the booming oil and gas industry, to the effects of sea level rise and disasters on rural areas, to ocean and coastal health, to how local economies are changing as the climate does.
This contract is for 12 months and will start in March. You must be based on or near the Gulf Coast and have experience reporting in the region.
Who we are:
Southerly is an independent, nonprofit media organization that covers the intersection of ecology, justice, and culture in the American South. We explore the complex relationship between Southern communities and their environment, and produce accurate, thoughtful journalism to help Southerners can make informed decisions about the region’s natural resources.
We also work to strengthen the media ecosystem in the South, particularly around environmental reporting. We collaborate with local newsrooms on reporting projects and community engagement events. We offer our stories to news outlets that may not otherwise have the resources to report in-depth stories about these issues, so we can reach rural and underserved communities that need this information. We have also partnered with national outlets to offer more nuance and expertise in journalism about the South.
Key responsibilities:
– Find and tell a diverse array of stories about climate change, energy, economics, environmental justice, and culture along the Gulf Coast. You will cover the Gulf Coast of Texas, southern Louisiana, southern Alabama, southern Mississippi, as well as the Panhandle and Gulf Coast of Florida. Most stories will be between 700 and 1500 words, with an opportunity for in-depth and investigative projects.
– Report, write, and fact-check two stories per month.
– Travel for some reporting, with reasonable travel expenses covered.
– Find and/or take photos for stories when possible.
– Participate in collaborative projects with reporters and editors from other newsrooms as Southerly builds relationships with outlets covering the Gulf Coast.
– Possibility of participating in events Southerly may convene in the region. Your travel would be covered.
Pay:
$0.75 a word for two stories per month, mostly ranging from 700 – 1500 words.
How to apply:
Please submit a resume, three writing samples, a brief letter describing why you’re interested in this position, and at least three story ideas (short pitches — 200 words or less) to lgilpin@southerlymag.wpcomstaging.com. Deadline to apply is March 6, 2020.
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