Editor, Creative Storytelling, Fix

Company: Grist Magazine
Location: Seattle
Posted on: February 22, 2021

Job Description:

About Fix, Grist's Solutions Lab
Grist is a nonprofit media organization for people who want a planet that doesn't burn and a future that doesn't suck. In 2019, Grist launched a new program, Fix, to change the arc of storytelling about climate change. The challenges of the climate crisis are now widely understood, and, sadly, more apparent day by day. Thankfully, and perhaps just in time, tectonic positive shifts are occurring in the worlds of energy, transportation, food, architecture, social justice and more to tackle climate change. A younger, more diverse generation is rising and has its eyes set on advancing equitable climate solutions and demanding the structural reforms necessary to remake governments into truly representative democracies. If you squint, you can see more stories emerging of how we humans took on climate change and built a more just, sustainable world. As Grist's solutions lab, Fix tells imaginative stories that envision ways forward. Half network-building and half storytelling, the program identifies, celebrates, and connects solutions-oriented climate and justice leaders who are at the center of the story of progress; and it introduces a whole new narrative of what's possible to address climate change and build a better world. The Opportunity
Grist is seeking an entrepreneurial leader to help build the storytelling wing of Fix. The Editor of Fix's creative storytelling will lead the work of the Fix content team as it develops new ideas, strategies, and approaches to telling stories of what a better, more equitable future could be - through a Fix website, live storytelling events, social media platforms, multimedia projects, and partnerships with culture-shaping organizations. This narrative of possibility will help to elevate a diverse array of solutions-oriented leaders and their work, and accelerate climate and justice solutions. The overall focus will be on Who's Next and What's Next in tackling climate change, and on making palpable and real what's possible, in entertaining, informative, heart-moving (and fun!)ways. The Editor will supervise the content team, report to the Fix program director, and work closely with Grist's founder. Grist is looking for a creative, results-oriented leader who has developed programs and led the implementation of storytelling strategies. Grist is looking for a creative, results-oriented leader who has developed programs and led the implementation of storytelling strategies. Key Responsibilities The Editor will provide strategic and innovative leadership to grow Fix's impact on the cultural conversations happening around climate change. Key goals and responsibilities for this leader include:

• Work closely with the other members of the Fix team to identify climate and justice solutions, and the diverse leaders who are making them a reality.
• Develop and implement a strategic storytelling plan.
• Direct and manage a growing Fix content team, including a managing editor, a fellow, and a range of contractors, including writers, visual and multimedia journalists, video producers, animators, and illustrators.
• Coordinate the production of special projects such as deep-dive and interactive features, monthly themed content, live events, Instagram posts, and climate fiction contests.
• Play a key role in developing and implementing partnerships with other organizations that have significant reach and shape culture through storytelling (e.g., other media entities, Hollywood studios, museums).
• Work with product development and design staff and contractors to develop and refine Fix's digital presence.
• Collaborate with Fix staff and contractors to curate talent and programming for Fix events, including dinners, public performances, retreats, Grist 50 , and an annual Fix Festival.
• Collaborate with marketing staff to identify other platforms, from streaming video to live events, where broad audiences can connect with Fix content.
• Collaborate with fundraising staff to support outreach and development opportunities, draft reports and other materials related to Fix content.
• Coordinate content plans with Grist's editorial leaders and represent Fix in organization-wide planning and project meetings.
• Ensure integration with Grist's audience and social media team.
• Other duties may be assigned from time to time. Candidate Profile Key Competencies
  The ideal candidate for this position is a mission-driven, strategic professional with a creative spark and a successful track record of program expansion and implementation. They will bring the following qualities to the role: A Skilled Leader and Manager
  The Editor will be a dynamic leader with a track record of success in managing distributed teams and preventing siloed work. They will bring experience building and leading high-performing teams and guiding team members' growth and development. They will have an abiding commitment to a diverse, equitable, and inclusive team environment, one that is able to establish priorities, goals, and timelines to achieve quantifiable and qualitative outcomes. Editorial Expertise
  As the key member of a small, nimble team, the Editor will be responsible for developing and managing Fix's storytelling strategy, setting and following through on deadlines, with an appetite for rolling up their sleeves, digging into projects, sharing story-specific feedback, pitching in on editing, and ensuring a high standard of quality across the portfolio. As such, they should bring superb written and verbal communication skills. Even as they will be driving strategy and managing a growing team, they should also be able to dive into the details alongside a team of editors, freelancers, writers, and other creatives. Innovation and Entrepreneurship
  Key to the success of this person will be their hunger for building something transformative and a track record of implementing ambitious projects. They should have visual storytelling experience, including video, photo and animation, and should be excited to build a vision for Fix. The ideal candidate will bring a marketing instinct and an understanding of how to create buzz, build partnerships, and build a line into cultural conversations around climate change and environmental justice. Broad-Ranging Knowledge of Climate Change (or a Deep Curiosity to Learn)
  Ideally, the Editor will bring an understanding of a breadth of topics related to climate change, from environmental justice to entrepreneurship, and the types of stories and individuals that Fix covers. If not, they will bring a deep curiosity to learn about this field and a passion for climate solutions. Contact
  Koya Leadership Partners has been exclusively engaged by Grist for this engagement. Kara Teising and Libby Cornelssen are leading this search. To make recommendations or to express your interest in this role please use this link or email Kara or Libby at kteising@koyapartners.com or lcornelssen@koyapartners.com . All nominations, inquiries, and discussions will be considered strictly confidential. Grist's commitment to a diverse, inclusive staff reflects our vision of a just, sustainable world. We do our best work when we embrace differences and thrive when we explore them. We're interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experiences. Grist provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. About Koya Leadership Partners Koya Leadership Partners, a member of the Diversified Search Group, is a leading executive search and strategic advising firm dedicated to connecting exceptionally talented people with mission-driven clients. Our founding philosophy-The Right Person in the Right Place Can Change the World-guides our work as we partner with nonprofits & NGOs, institutions of higher education, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world. For more information about Koya Leadership Partners, visit www.koyapartners.com . Intern, Fix (part-time, 20 hrs/week) Internship Part-time Grist seeks a paid, part-time intern to join the Fix team starting immediately. The Fix program - Grist's "solutions lab" - explores the world of what's possible, identifying and celebrating emerging climate and justice leaders, connecting them to each other to deepen their impact, and telling unexpected stories about progress. The intern will support Fix's content and events teams, and help to produce the upcoming Grist 50 - an annual list of solution-oriented phenoms we like to call "Fixers." Responsibilities include:
  • Organize, research, and vet nominations for the Grist 50 list
  • Request and organize photos for the Grist 50 list
  • Work with program assistant to maintain and update database of Fixers
  • Research and contribute ideas for Fix's articles and newsletters
  • Upload stories into CMS as needed
  • Copy edit stories and newsletters as needed
  • Contribute ideas and content to Fix's social media queues
  • Report and write an occasional story or Fixer Q&A
  • General support for program assistant and Fix team as needed You're well suited for this role if you're a self-starter, hyper-organized, and have a passion for the Grist mission. Bonus points for a sense of humor and a fondness for spreadsheets. Interns receive a stipend, and are typically enrolled at a learning institution while interning. To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter to fixintern@grist.org with "Fix Intern" in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Grist's commitment to a diverse, inclusive staff reflects our vision of a just, sustainable world. We do our best work when we embrace differences and thrive when we explore them. We're interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experiences. Grist provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Program Assistant, Fix Full-time Seattle or New York City Grist, the national environmental media organization, is seeking a highly organized and driven assistant to support the recently launched Fix program, which serves as the organization's solutions lab. Drawing on operational and administrative experience and creative thinking, the Program Assistant will play a crucial role in extending the capacity of the Fix team leadership and increasing the program's impact. Grist is a nonprofit media organization dedicated to making the story of a better future irresistible. The Fix program explores the world of what's possible, identifying and celebrating emerging climate and justice leaders, connecting them to each other to deepen their impact, and telling unexpected stories about progress. Through network-building, live events, creative storytelling, and partnerships, Fix accelerates solutions to our most complex global challenges and changes the story society tells itself about its future. The Fix Program Assistant will provide administrative and project support to the Fix team, as well as to the Fix Director, who leads and oversees the growing Fix team and the program implementation and operations; and works closely with the rest of Grist management and teams. The Program Assistant will be experienced in handling a wide range of administrative and executive-support tasks and will be able to work independently with little supervision. The role is based in Seattle or in New York City, and will report to the Fix Director. Duties and Responsibilities Fix community/event support and communications coordination (80 percent)
    • Schedule and manage Fix team meetings, including setting agenda, providing background materials, keeping time, and taking notes
    • Assist and support planning of Fix staff retreats and strategy meetings
    • Support and coordinate planning and logistics for live and virtual events (including drafting meeting agendas, creating and updating attendee lists, venue research and vendor lists, helping to coordinate meals, entertainment, etc., sending event invitations and managing responses, travel logistics, vendor contracts, virtual event set-up, and technical and Zoom management)
    • Maintain and update Fix events calendar, and cross-check with content calendar
    • Regularly maintain and track use of Slack channels and Trello boards
    • Maintain Fixer and other contact information in Salesforce, and update related Fix regional or other lists (i.e. addresses, jobs)
    • Support Fix team's involvement in partnership or development/fundraising efforts
    • Attend team meetings and contribute ideas for events and storytelling
    • Join organizational internal workgroups as needed Administrative support for the Fix Director (20 percent)
      • Set appointments and maintain Fix Director's schedule, including internal and external meetings, calls, and events
      • Manage Fix Director's daily activities, ensuring efficient use of time and attention to urgent matters
      • Handle all aspects of Fix Director's travel, including arranging transport and lodging, and planning external meeting or event details
      • Assist Director in preparing presentations for board meetings or events, including designing spreadsheets or slide decks/PowerPoints Qualifications
        • Bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience
        • 2+ years of relevant experience a bonus
        • Proven ability to organize and schedule work effectively and efficiently in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple projects at the same time
        • Ability to manage up and across
        • Demonstrated proficiency in writing and editing correspondence
        • Fluency with technology, including deep experience with calendar and database systems and strong comfort working with Zoom, Gmail and other G Suite tools; bonus points for Salesforce, Slack, Trello, and ToDoist experience
        • Passion for our organization's mission and work
        • Experience planning events, preparing slide presentations, and leading design projects To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to fixpa@grist.org with "Program Assistant, Fix" in the subject line. Application deadline is September 15, 2020. No phone calls, please. Grist's commitment to a diverse, inclusive staff reflects our vision of a just, sustainable world. We do our best work when we embrace differences and thrive when we explore them. We're interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experiences. Grist provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. Full-time Seattle-only You're a builder with a creative streak who's looking to make a mark and leave the world a better place in the process. We've got the job for you. Grist seeks a Full-Stack Web Development Engineer to articulate and execute upon our product vision. The person in this role will report to Grist's Director of Innovation and Growth and partner with internal stakeholders, as well external partners and developers, to iterate on improvements to Grist's site and related platforms, prioritize them on our product roadmap, and create and ship code. Founded in 1999, Grist is an independent, nonprofit media organization devoted to eye-opening environmental journalism that explores solutions, exposes injustice, and emboldens readers to act. In addition to the award-winning content on grist.org, we go beyond the page to foster an unlikely network of leaders to bring about a sustainable world that works for everyone. We're working toward a planet that doesn't burn and a future that doesn't suck. This full-time position would be based in Grist's Seattle office. Responsibilities:
          • Contribute to product-development iteration with internal and external stakeholders
          • Own all stages of product development, from design and testing through shipping and support
          • Write clean, concise, modular code that is easily testable
          • Build low-defect, user-friendly systems
          • Participate in an agile environment
          • Lead and participate in code reviews
          • Experience in WordPress front-end and back-end development, object-oriented PHP, and DNS management
          • Programming experience with at least one modern language such as Java, C++, or C#, including object-oriented design
          • Proficient in server, network, and hosting environments, relational and nonrelational databases, and how to interact with APIs
          • Skilled at translating loose business requirements into product and operational systems
          • High comfort level in communicating with non-tech partners
          • Experience working with remotes, branches and deployment in Git
          • Passion for or experience in media
          • Bachelor's degree in computer science or equivalent work/educational experience Preferred qualifications:
            • Experience with Gutenberg block editor
            • REST API knowledge To apply, please send a resume and a cover letter to fullstack@grist.org with "Full Stack" in the subject line. No phone calls, please. Compensation is competitive with similar engineering positions in the non-profit media sector. Grist's commitment to a diverse, inclusive staff reflects our vision of a just, sustainable world. We do our best work when we embrace differences and thrive when we explore them. We're interested in hearing from people who can work with diverse colleagues of varied experiences. Grist provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
              About Grist Grist is an independent, nonprofit media organization working for a planet that doesn't burn and a future that doesn't suck. Headquartered in Seattle, Washington, Grist reports on climate and environmental issues for a national audience and has recently received awards for its work from the Society of Professional Journalists, SEAL, Folio, and the Institute for Nonprofit News. In 2019, Grist launched its solutions lab Fix, which combines solutions-oriented journalism with gatherings that bring together a growing community of Fixers building a better future. Learn more .

Keywords: Grist Magazine, Seattle , Editor, Creative Storytelling, Fix, Advertising , Seattle, Washington