Toronto Lead Reporter

Canada's National Observer; Victoria; On-site; CAD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Canada's National Observer seeks a Toronto Reporter to cover the intersection of politics and climate change. The ideal candidate will have strong reporting skills, a passion for climate issues, and the ability to engage with diverse communities. This role involves on-the-ground reporting and innovative storytelling approaches to inform and empower Canadians.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

12 paid vacation days plus 11 statutory holidays

$125/month towards home office expenses

RSP matching up to $1,500/year

Qualifications

• Five-plus years of reporting experience, ideally in politics or climate policy.
• Strong English-language reporting and writing skills.
• A passion for climate change news.

Responsibilities

• Report 2-3 stories weekly on climate and politics.
• Develop contacts and information pathways at local and provincial levels.
• Report on breaking news related to climate.

Skills

Reporting

Writing

Storytelling

Research

Communication

Education

Undergraduate degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Multimedia skills (photography, videography)

Job description

Canada's National Observer (CNO) delivers vital reporting on the defining crisis of our time: climate change. Through rigorous investigation and compelling storytelling, we reveal the impacts of climate change on politics, public health and business transformation.

With an audience of millions and over 400,000 subscribers, CNO is Canada's leading source of reporting on the climate crisis and the path to solutions. Our teams investigate the intersections of power, money, and climate action while amplifying solutions and celebrating innovation that drives possibility and change.

Toronto is more than just our country’s biggest population; it’s a cultural focal point, a political powerhouse and an economic driver. It’s also being hit by devastating heatwaves and floods, bickering over transportation and land use and trying out solutions to the crises it’s facing.

We’re looking for a reporter who’s immersed in Toronto’s multifaceted political sphere, who wants to get to know the decision makers and denizens alike, and who’s excited to try unique approaches to reporting and storytelling.

What Drives Us

• Delivering rigorous, independent journalism that informs and empowers Canadians to make decisions about their future
• Investigating the connections between climate change, politics, public health, and social justice
• Highlighting promising developments in clean energy and sustainable solutions
• Amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, particularly from communities most affected by climate change
• Building public understanding of complex environmental issues through clear, compelling storytelling
• Holding power to account through deep investigative reporting
• Fostering informed dialogue about Canada's path to a sustainable future

Job Description

The Toronto Reporter will report on the intersection between politics and climate at all levels in Toronto. They will be on the ground, talking with people, documenting events, reporting on stories as they happen, not from behind their computer screens.

They will pay particular attention to how policy at different levels interact, and how ordinary Torontonians’ lives are affected by the decisions made by their representatives in government.

Key Responsibilities

• Report 2-3 stories weekly, with allowances for extra reporting time when appropriate
• Report accurately, write engagingly and practice journalism ethically
• Develop contacts and information pathways at the local and provincial levels
• Be an expert in climate change, climate policy and solutions as they affect Toronto
• Report on breaking news related to climate, from disasters to court decisions
• Be responsive to editors and colleagues
• Experiment with innovative ways to tell stories online

What we’re looking for:

• Strong English-language reporting and writing skills
• A minimum undergraduate degree or equivalent experience
• Five-plus years of reporting experience, ideally with a focus on politics, climate policy, city issues or a related field
• A roster of contacts across government, civil society, business and academia
• A passion for climate change news and staying on top of the key political, policy and business issues in Canada that impact the climate agenda
• A track record of finding unique stories and angles, not following the pack
• A great storyteller
• Other multimedia skills like photography, videography, data journalism or social media are assets

Tips for applying:

• If you are applying from a city that is not Toronto, please indicate your connection to the city and whether you’d be willing to relocate.
• Please only apply if you have a legal right to work in Canada.
• This is not an entry-level position and the successful applicant will be expected to hit the ground running. If you’re brand new to journalism and want to get your foot in the door, this isn’t the job for you — but please consider contacting us about a practicum through your post-secondary institution.

Salary and benefits:

• Salary range: $70,000-85,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications
• Comprehensive Sun Life package (including dental, mental health counselling, wellness funds, gender affirmation coverage, travel insurance, and $25,000 life insurance)
• 12 paid vacation days plus 11 statutory holidays, plus paid office closure between Christmas and New Year
• $125/month towards home office expenses
• RSP matching (up to $1,500/year)
• This is a bargaining unit position under the J2 category in our collective agreement. The collective agreement between Observer Media Group (Canada’s National Observer) and the Canadian Media Guild ensures annual 3% cost-of-living increases and robust support

Applications close: May 23, 2025

Preferred start date:June 9, 2025

Please submit applications through the Bamboo portal and include a cover letter, three samples of your best and most relevant reporting and a resume: https://thenationalobserver.bamboohr.com/careers/42?source=aWQ9NA%3D%3D

We look forward to hearing from you.