RFF’s Staff Writer and Reporter helps identify, pitch, and write articles for RFF’s Common Resources blog and Resources magazine, paying particular attention to how new environmental and energy economics research has relevance to current events in the United States and globally. The Staff Writer and Reporter also may have the opportunity to support senior researchers in op-ed writing and speechwriting. The person in this role helps with promotion of the Resources Radio podcast. This position is located in Washington, DC.

Web Content Coordination (60%):

• Write and edit articles for the Common Resources blog. Produce blog posts that run the gamut of timely, regularly scheduled, and priority articles. Help maintain editorial quality, accuracy, style, and branding standards.
• Keep up with relevant news that can serve as jumping-off points for other research-related RFF content on the web, including social media, newsletters, articles, and other digital content. Serve as a liaison between breaking news and storytelling.
• Build and maintain a knowledge base about research and current events related to energy, environmental economics, climate, and the environment, advising the editorial team on significant developments in the news and in RFF research that may warrant coverage in the magazine or blog.
• Develop ongoing relationships with story subjects, helping to solicit articles related to timely environmental, energy, and natural resource topics from members of the RFF community, other researchers, policymakers, freelance writers, and others.
• As needed for digital content, select and refine associated visual components, such as photos, figures, and tables. Prepare content for distribution on website, on social media, and via email.

Magazine Production (20%):

• Provide writing and editorial support for Resources magazine in part by drafting research-based articles. Help maintain its editorial quality, accuracy, style, and branding standards.
• Copyedit content, proofread content in layout, conduct photo research, and assist in other aspects of production as needed, working with the Managing Editor.
• Help prepare content for distribution on the resources.org website, on social media, and via email.

President Communications Support (10%):

• Write speeches, draft copy for internal communications, and copyedit communications materials for RFF’s president and CEO.

Other Editorial Support (10%):

• Provide production and editorial assistance with the Resources Radio podcast, including help with episode distribution and brainstorming potential podcast guests, topics, and series ideas.
• Provide other communications support as needed, including light administrative duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, economics, natural resources, environment, energy, or a related field.
• Any equivalent combination of training, education, and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Experience:

• Three years of related experience in editing, publishing, or editorial research.
• Comfortable talking with researchers and scholars.
• Hands-on experience with scholarly research a plus, particularly in economics.
• Strong grasp of the rules of grammar and strict attention to detail for copyediting and proofreading. Excellent writing skills, with the ability to effectively characterize highly technical research and analysis for broad policy and stakeholder audiences.
• Strong personal interest in environmental and natural resource issues highly preferred.
• A curious, inquisitive mind with a talent for spinning a good yarn.

Technical Requirements: 

Proficiency in the following software programs is recommended for this role:

• Microsoft Office and Office 365, including Word Online, Excel, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, SharePoint
• Google Suite, including Drive, Docs, Sheets
• Internet Browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Internet Explorer)
• Adobe Creative Cloud
• Wagtail, WordPress, Drupal, or other content management systems
• Customer relationship management (CRM) software such as AirTable
• Audio editing software such as Audacity
• Design software such as Photoshop and InDesign
• Zoom

RFF is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.  Achieving that goal is essential to achieving our mission—and it is simply the right thing to do, as described in RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future.  We especially encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply. 

RFF is committed to being a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community.  Achieving that goal is essential to achieving our mission—and it is simply the right thing to do, as described in RFF’s Vision for a Diverse, Equitable, and Inclusive Future. We especially encourage candidates with diverse backgrounds and life experiences to apply.  

RFF has made the safety of our staff and community a top priority. As a part of that commitment, all staff and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, as defined by the CDC. RFF will require all staff and visitors to submit proof of complete vaccination against COVID-19 to work in our office.