Job: Climate Business Journalist, Canada’s National Observer

Canada's National Observer Feb.2022.Are you passionate about journalism? Are you an experienced business writer? Do you want to make an impact by reporting on Canadian businesses’ responses to climate change and how they are innovating and adapting to a warming world?

If the answer is yes, join Canada’s leading publication in climate reporting, renowned for its extensive coverage and insightful analysis on climate issues. Our esteemed paying subscribers include the federal government, universities, environmental non-governmental organizations (ENGOs), think tanks, and other pivotal civil society groups.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work alongside Canada’s foremost team of climate journalists in a warm and supportive workplace environment, engaging with the most climate-conscious audience across the nation. Our team boasts a dynamic mix of seasoned editors with decades of experience in journalism and some of the top emerging talents in Canada, fostering an environment of rich expertise and innovative perspectives.

  • Title: Business Journalist
  • Employment Type: Full-time, 3 year project
  • Supervisor: Reports directly to the Project Managing Editor
  • Salary Range: $80,000 to $90,000 annually, based on experience
  • Start Date: Expected to begin on April 15, 2024
  • Location: Remote, Toronto/GTA ideal but will consider other locations

Benefits of Working with CNO

CNO offers a comprehensive and supportive employment package designed to cater to the well-being and professional growth of our team members:

  • Annual Leave: Enjoy 12 days of paid vacation in your first year, along with 11 paid statutory holidays.
  • Office Closure Leave: Benefit from paid days off during the office closure period between Christmas and New Year.
  • Health and Well-being:
    • An exceptional health benefits package through Sun Life, covering you and your immediate family.
    • Allocate $1,000 annually towards counseling services to support your mental health.
    • Utilize $500 each year for wellness practitioners to maintain your physical and mental well-being.
    • Comprehensive travel insurance for peace of mind during your adventures.
    • A $25,000 life insurance policy for your security.
    • Dental coverage includes 80% reimbursement for basic and preventive care, up to $1,500 per family member annually.
    • Inclusive gender affirmation coverage to support your journey.
  • Professional Support: Access to top-tier legal advice and libel insurance to safeguard your journalistic integrity.
  • Remote Work Compensation: Receive $150 monthly to support your home office setup, including computer and phone expenses.
  • Retirement Savings: Benefit from an RSP matching contribution by the company up to $1,500 annually.
  • Union Membership: This position is unionized with the Canadian Media Guild, offering additional support and advocacy.
  • Annual Raises: A guaranteed 3% annual cost of living increase to ensure your compensation keeps pace with inflation.

This comprehensive package reflects CNO’s commitment to fostering a supportive and enriching work environment for all employees.

Qualifications

  • Extensive Experience: You bring at least 10 years of dedicated experience in business journalism, showcasing a deep understanding and insight into the sector.
  • Passion for Climate Impact: You have a pronounced interest in exploring and reporting on how climate change affects both society and the business landscape.
  • Well-Connected: Your network is robust, with numerous sources and contacts across the business world, enabling you to gather exclusive insights and information.
  • Recognition for Reporting: Your work has been recognized with 3 to 5 citations or awards for excellence in business reporting, underscoring your commitment to quality and impactful journalism.
  • Collaborative Spirit: You are a team player with a love for collaboration, known for your strong communication skills and ability to work well with others.
  • Attention to Detail: You possess a keen eye for detail, striving for precision and professionalism in every aspect of your work, from factual accuracy to the nuance of language.

Position Overview

The role of businesses is instrumental in propelling climate action forward. Through their investment choices, strategic planning, and active engagement with climate and health challenges, they stand at the forefront of efforts to combat climate change and secure a sustainable and healthy future for all.

As the Climate Business Journalist for CNO, your beat will focus on the intersection of innovation, technology, and climate change solutions within Canada. Your expertise lies not only in understanding the intricacies of business and environmental dynamics but also in recognizing and exploring the potential of diverse business sectors and practices in contributing to climate solutions.

Your reporting will target business and finance professionals, offering them news that is not only informative but also actionable and applicable to their fields.

Your responsibilities will extend beyond writing to include the monitoring, tracking, and documentation of the impact your articles have, utilizing various metrics to gauge their influence.

This position may occasionally require multi-day travel, once or twice annually, alongside regional day trips. There is also the potential for international travel during the second and third years of employment.

Responsibilities

In collaboration with a project managing editor, you will strategize coverage areas, story ideas, and tactics to establish and grow a dynamic new beat focused on business and climate solutions at CNO. This beat will aim to deliver invaluable content to business owners and managers. Your key responsibilities will include:

  • Idea Generation and Research: You’ll be tasked with generating and proposing compelling story ideas that span various sectors including the construction industry, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), such as the circular economy, electric vehicle (EV) transformation, and the integral role of businesses in grid electrification, among others.
  • Content Planning: Working closely with the project managing editor, you’ll co-create a detailed content calendar, outlining story timelines and publication schedules throughout the project’s duration to ensure a steady stream of impactful reporting.
  • Story Production: You will use your outstanding research and writing skills to produce engaging stories on how small and medium-sized businesses are impacted by climate change in Canada, and how they’re innovating to meet the challenge. You will write for a business audience, and plan compelling visual assets to accompany each story.
  • Impact Analysis: You will actively monitor and document the reach and influence of your stories through various metrics such as page views, readership levels, audience engagement, comments, feedback from readers and stakeholders, mentions in business and policy circles, and inclusion in official government communications and records.
  • Media Influence Tracking: You’re responsible for observing and evaluating the media’s response to your work and how partner organizations and external entities leverage your reporting to further their objectives.
  • Reporting on Impact: Annually, you will compile and present comprehensive reports summarizing the impact and reach of your journalism, highlighting key achievements and areas for future exploration.

This role demands a proactive, innovative approach to journalism, with a strong emphasis on creating stories that not only inform but also drive meaningful action and change in the realm of business and climate solutions.

Application Process

Please submit your cover letter, resume, and links to three recent writing samples online here. Deadline for applications is March 19, 2024.

We recognize the importance of a diversified workforce, and we encourage women, members of the LGBTQ2 communities, BIPOC, First Nations, Inuit & Metis candidates, along with persons with disabilities to apply.

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