Climate change/environment reporter

Gannett; Savannah (GA); On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Gannett is seeking an experienced climate change/environment reporter in Savannah, Georgia, to cover environmental issues with local, regional, and statewide significance. The role involves storytelling that engages the audience, collaborating with a content team, and promoting personal and institutional brands. Candidates must possess strong research and writing skills, a background in environmental reporting, and be comfortable with digital and social media. A bachelor's or master's degree in communications or journalism is required.

Qualifications

• Minimum two years of environmental reporting experience.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Ability to produce clean, publication-ready content.

Responsibilities

• Cover and write about climate change and its local impact.
• Connect with the community through storytelling.
• Collaborate to provide multimedia story elements.

Skills

Environmental reporting

Storytelling

Data analysis

Social media engagement

Research skills

Collaboration

Copy-editing

Education

Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism

Job description

The Savannah Morning News/savannahnow.com, part of the USA TODAY NETWORK, is looking for an experienced climate change/environment reporter to cover environmental and climate issues that have local, regional and statewide significance.

The climate change reporter will cover and write about all aspects of climate change and its effects on the environment, economy, quality of life, and trends. This beat calls for a storyteller who writes about how the lives of Georgia residents and communities are affected by climate change. Our goal is to foster an understanding of the complexities of climate change in order to empower readers. We value solutions‑oriented journalism and accountability and infuse our reporting with those elements to provide our readers with the critical information they can use when making decisions about their lives. This position is funded through a partnership with Journalism Funding Partners.

Responsibilities

• Creates storytelling that accurately informs, entertains and engages specific audiences and platforms through the use of metrics. Works toward becoming the community’s leading voice in the area of expertise.
• Connects with the community through storytelling and outreach (social media, on camera, forums, community leadership, etc.) Provides thoughtful analysis of complex issues.
• Collaborates with the content team to provide all appropriate elements for stories (i.e. photos, videos and graphics). Captures basic photos and video as needed.
• Promotes personal brand, the brands of colleagues and the institutional brand.
• Explores and reports on the widest range of news and trends, connecting with our audience’s passion.
• Content strategies include print, branded digital platforms, traditional and emerging social media, events, apps and curation of contributed and expert content.
• Places a high priority on data analysis to identify trends that would otherwise go unreported.
• Demonstrates clear concise writing skills with strong nut graphs and “why this is important to me” content.
• Requires outstanding research skills and extensive contacts that can break news.
• Requires the ability to create trust within their niche community. The primary channel will be our digital products first, but the content will also appear in our printed publications.
• Identifies , cultivates and curates contributed, authoritative content and reporting that expands the footprint of the beat.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or master’s in communications, journalism, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of two or more years environmental reporting/newsroom experience.
• Strong command of AP grammar and style.
• Strong copy‑editing skills and the ability to produce content that is clean, accurate and "publication ready."
• Is comfortable using social media such as X, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube to enhance reporting and promote stories.
• Understands reporting ethics and sourcing.
• Excels in a fast‑paced news environment and understands the digital‑first mission.
• Collaborates well with others and can work with a team on the biggest stories.
• Must be willing to travel on short notice, to cover breaking news events.
• Work weekends and nights when there is major breaking news.
• This role requires a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and the minimum liability insurance required by state law.
• Employment is contingent on passing a post‑offer pre‑employment background check and a motor vehicle record check & drug screen (for driving roles only).

USA TODAY Co., Inc. is a proud equal opportunity employer committed to building and maintaining a diverse workforce. As such, we will consider all qualified applicants for employment and do not discriminate in connection with employment decisions on the basis of an applicant or employee’s race, color, national origin, ethnicity, ancestry, citizenship status, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, marital status, personal appearance (including height and weight), sexual orientation, family responsibilities, physical or mental disability, medical condition or pregnancy status (including childbirth, breastfeeding or related medical conditions), education, genetic characteristics or information, political affiliation, military or veteran status or other classifications protected by applicable federal, state and local laws in the jurisdictions where USA TODAY Co. employs employees. In addition, USA TODAY Co., Inc. will provide applicants who require a reasonable accommodation, as a result of an applicant’s disability or religion, to complete this employment application and/or any other process in connection with an individuals’ application for employment with USA TODAY Co., Inc. Applicants who require such accommodation should contact USA TODAY Co., Inc.’s Recruitment Department at [e-mail] . Applicants must be authorized to work in the applicable location. Applications from outside these regions will be removed from our system after submission.