Overview:

Now in its second century, Audubon is dedicated to protecting birds and other wildlife and the habitat that supports them. Audubon’s mission is engaging people in bird conservation on a hemispheric scale through science, policy, education and on-the-ground conservation action. By mobilizing and aligning its network of Chapters, Centers, State and Important Bird Area programs in the four major migratory flyways in the Americas, the organization will bring the full power of Audubon to bear on protecting common and threatened bird species and the critical habitat they need to survive. And as part of BirdLife International, Audubon will join people in over 100 in-country organizations all working to protect a network of Important Bird Areas around the world, leveraging the impact of actions they take at a local level. What defines Audubon’s unique value is a powerful grassroots network of nearly 500 local chapters, 23 state offices, 41 Audubon Centers, Important Bird Area Programs in 50 states, and 700 staff across the country. The National Audubon Society is a federal contractor and an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). We are committed to a policy of nondiscrimination, inclusion, and equal opportunity and actively seek a diverse pool of candidates in this search.

Position Summary:

The National Audubon Society is offering a crash course in how to create an award-winning magazine and website. As a full-time paid fellow, the journalist will have the chance to be a valuable member of our team, contributing both digital and print content and getting a behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to be an editor at a major publication. This fellowship is a training ground for a long-term, successful career in journalism. Ideal applicants will have a strong grasp of environmental science and conservation, impressive writing chops, and a willingness to think independently and hit the ground running. Immersed in the day-to-day operations, the fellow will hone the skill of creating fresh and accurate content on fast-paced deadlines and develop a stronger ability to tell longer, engaging narrative stories. The intent is for fellows to gain experience, published work, and job savvy that will help them land a staff job or launch a successful freelance career.

This paid fellowship is approximately 35 hours per week and spans a period of up to six months. Typically, the positition is located in New York City, but due to COVID-related concerns, the beginning of the fellowship will take place remotely. Because of this, we are also considering candidates to work remotely for the entire span of the fellowship.

To apply, please upload a one-page cover letter, one-page resume and links to three to five writing samples. The links can be included in the cover letter.

Essential Functions:

• Pitch and write articles for Audubon.org, working closely with the digital team to turn around news stories on tight deadlines while also developing longer reported pieces. May also assign and edit stories under supervision of the site editor.
• Assist the print staff with research, story development, and fact checking and contribute written stories for various sections of Audubon magazine.
• Dive into the backend of Audubon’s website to build stories and maintain content; explore potential tools for creating innovative new ways of telling stories.
• Attend and participate in weekly editorial meetings to run through stories in development and plan future coverage.
• Other duties as needed and assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Graduate-level journalism classes or degree.
• Experience reporting and writing stories for science-based publications, preferably online as well as in print.
• Experience honing story ideas and promoting content through social media.
• An interest in environmental issues, birds, and wildlife.
• Experience with multimedia and content management systems a plus.