Job Opening: Writer
Are you a journalist enthralled by the history, policy and science behind Western water issues? The journalism team at the Water Education Foundation is looking for a full-time writer who is knowledgeable about the most precious natural resource in California and the Colorado River Basin, enjoys a fast-paced environment and possesses strong reporting, writing and multimedia skills.
The ideal candidate has experience reporting and writing in-depth articles as well as shorter enterprise articles, posting breaking news on social media channels and staying current on Western water issues. Our stories often explore the science, policy and debates centered around drought, groundwater, sustainability, water access and affordability, climate change and endangered species involving key sources of supply such as the Colorado River and the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
This position reports to our Deputy Director, News & Publications who is a veteran journalist and has worked at the Sacramento Bee and other major news outlets. The Water Education Foundation, an impartial nonprofit based in Sacramento, has been covering water news for nearly 50 years under an executive director with a strong journalism background.
Specific Duties and Responsibilities Include:
News
- Reports and writes in-depth articles and shorter articles as spotlight or reporter’s notebook for our monthly Western Water online news magazine.
- Gathers photos and graphics for publishings stories and promotes them on social media.
- Assists Western Water eblast that goes to readers.
- Monitors emerging trends and issues involving water.
- Generates insightful, enterprising story ideas for articles that can set apart the Foundation.
- Develops sources from diverse perspectives and demographics.
- Assists with weekday water newsfeed known as Aquafornia that is compiled by a freelancer. Acts as backup to our freelancer.
- Occasionally alerts social media followers of breaking water news.
Online & Publication Writing
- Updates entries of key terms in our online water encyclopedia, Aquapedia, generally one per week, to include the latest news and information. Adds new entries as needed.
- Updates guides on key water topics for our series of Layperson’s Guides, generally one per year.
- Works on other writing projects, such as crafting text for water maps, special online projects and the occasional history book.
Other Duties:
- Like all team members, attends at least one tour to a key water region — Colorado River, Central Valley, Headwaters, etc. — each year to assist our programs director and to generate story ideas and sources for Western Water articles.
- Helps brainstorm newsy topics for major events such as our annual Water Summit.
- Occasionally takes photos/videos during tours and other events, and posts updates on social media.
- Proofs our weekly news announcements and other communications as needed.
- Ability to travel, mainly across California but also the Colorado River Basin.
- Ability to juggle multiple assignments, and both short-term and long-term tasks.
- Flexibility and a commitment to teamwork.
- Other duties as necessary.
Skills/Experience:
- Ability to explain complex water issues in a clear, concise and engaging style.
- Commitment to accuracy, fairness and balance.
- Strong news judgment.
- Good knowledge of AP news style.
- Good photography skills. Video skills a plus.
- Demonstrated social media experience, especially with LinkedIn and Twitter.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, education or science preferred; will consider other related fields and experience.
- Five to seven years experience as a journalist; at least two of them covering water issues in California or the Colorado River Basin but ideally both regions.
- Familiarity with key water issues and people – scientists, policymakers and other leaders.
Salary/Benefits:
This is a salaried position with an annual pay range from $68,000 to $73,000, depending on experience and qualifications.
Excellent benefits – Employer pays 100 percent of employee’s monthly premium for medical, dental and vision insurance; Provides paid vacation, sick time and more than a dozen paid holidays each year; Offers 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer contributions starting at 7% of salary once 1,000 hours of work are completed, regardless of employee contribution.
Hybrid Work Schedule: This job is based in our Sacramento office. However, the Foundation team at this time works a hybrid schedule with most Mondays and Fridays at home; and Tuesday through Thursday at the office.
To Apply:
Send resume and letter of interest along with writing/work examples to Jennifer Bowles, the Foundation’s Executive Director, at jbowles@watereducation.org.
To be considered in the first round of applicants, please send your email package by May 24. This job will remain open until filled.
The Water Education Foundation is an impartial, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization whose mission is to inspire understanding of water and catalyze critical conversations to build bridges and inform collaborative decision-making. Learn more at www.watereducation.org