Staff Writer/Reporter

Common Dreams is a nonprofit, progressive media organization that since 1997 has operated under a simple mission: To inform. To inspire. To ignite change for the common good. Our independent journalism and newsroom operation are focused on providing an international readership with the most important daily news, informed analysis, and progressive opinion on the world’s pressing issues 365 days a year.

We are seeking a full-time Staff Writer/Reporter to join our small, dynamic, and hard-hitting team. This position is for an experienced, progressive-minded journalist ready to put their skills to use in a fast-paced digital newsroom, pitching ideas, taking assignments, executing on tight deadlines, and being involved in all editorial aspects and daily production.

The ideal candidate has a sophisticated understanding of the news landscape and progressive politics with at least 4 years of experience working in the world of online journalism, progressive media, and/or the news industry. Our key areas of coverage include politics and democracy, the climate crisis, economic inequality, labor rights, corporate accountability, social justice, issues of war and peace, biodiversity protection, and more. The right person for this job will feel comfortable covering the gamut and know who and where to turn for the variety of topics we cover.

As Staff Writer, the primary responsibilities include:

Pitching news stories and coverage ideas at morning editorial meetings;
Writing 3 to 5 news articles, from idea to final form, per daily 8-hr shift;
Assisting with editorial duties for newsroom colleagues;
Cultivating and maintaining sources;
Ensuring all articles meet the highest journalistic standards; and
Helping all published work reach as large and diverse an audience as possible in furtherance of our mission.
Hours are 8-5 daily with occasional weekend coverage assignments (once every other month).

Requirements:

4+ years of professional journalism experience
Impeccable writing, fact-checking, and editing skills
Proven knowledge of U.S. and global political landscapes and key issues
Commitment to social justice, a better world, and the stated mission of Common Dreams
Ability to execute under pressure and meet tight deadlines
Excel at working both in a group and independently
Well-versed in various CMS platforms (Drupal, Wordpress, RebelMouse, et al.)
Basic html knowledge and familiarity with digital publishing tools
Ability to manage time and various projects efficiently

Compensation

Pay will be commensurate with experience and competitive with nonprofit public interest pay scales. Common Dreams provides a benefits package that includes health care, paid vacation, sick days, and parental-family leave.

Salary Range: $55,000 to $60,000

Application Process

Please send resume, cover letter detailing your qualifications and desire for the position, and any relevant writing samples or editorial credits. (Please limit samples to no more than 3, preferably links to published items but attached pdf acceptable). Our offices are located in Portland, ME, but this is a remote position that will generally be expected to work U.S. East Coast hours. Newsroom operates across time zones Monday thru Friday, 365 days a year, with occasional Holiday and weekend duties required.

Position open until filled. If this ad is up, the hiring process is ongoing.

Email all materials to newsroom_jobs@commondreams.org with the Subject Line: “Staff Writer + Your Name.”

Please no phone calls.

Cultivating an inclusive and diverse staff as well as a cooperative, respectful, safe, and positive environment is central to Common Dreams’ workplace culture. We’re interested in hearing from people who can work with all colleagues of varied experience and backgrounds. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, conforming to both the spirit and letter of the law in our hiring. We welcome and encourage all qualified applicants, without regard to racial identity, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, gender identity or expression, prior status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.