The position:
Ricochet Media is hiring a reporter to cover northern Ontario Indigenous communities, particularly those impacted by mining and resource extraction projects, such as the Ring of Fire, as well as land and water defense, such as Grassy Narrows, and First Nation governance, always with an eye to the human element that makes policy personal. Through text and multimedia reporting, you’ll provide new insights that will resonate both locally and with readers from across Canada.
Who you are:
You could be based anywhere in Ontario, but are deeply knowledgeable regarding the political and social issues that affect northern Ontario. You are also well-versed in journalism fundamentals and dedicated to producing thoroughly-reported pieces that tell compelling stories.
Your copy is clean, and you prioritize filing on time and at a steady pace.
You understand the key elements of digital visual storytelling, whether that’s in a story or on social media. You understand and engage with social media.
While you’re confident working independently, you understand the value that collaboration brings. Your journalism is grounded in the standards and best practices of the profession, you exercise sound judgment, but are willing to take creative chances. And you’ve got some experience doing investigative journalism and know how to prioritize and manage your time.
Responsibilities:
- Conceive, pitch, and write timely reported news stories and features, as directed by editorial leadership
- Participation in regular meetings
- Available Monday through Friday on a full-time schedule
Qualifications:
- Background and/or training in journalism
- Knowledge of northern Ontario issues, ideally with connections to communities.
- Especially knowledgeable regarding the political and social issues that affect northern Ontario Indigenous communities, and up to date on policy developments in the region.
- Strong research, writing, interviewing, and critical-thinking skills
- Ability to work independently and participate collaboratively in a remote team environment
- Skilled at using social media to engage readers and drive coverage
- Curiosity and a willingness to learn
Assets:
- Skilled at breaking scoops using Canada’s access to information system and other online public databases.
- Mobile with access to a vehicle is preferred
Compensation:
$40,000 ($5,500 per month for seven months) with possibility of renewal.
Note: This is funding provided by the Local Journalism Initiative, and must be spent by March 31, 2025. Therefore the amount per month may vary slightly depending on the date of hire.
To Apply:
- Please send a cover letter and resume to editor@ricochet.media.
- In addition to your CV, please include three published writing samples.
- Also include three story pitches as examples of the kinds of stories you would like to cover.
The deadline for applications is August 18 at 11:59pm (EXTENDED). Interviews will take place over Zoom. Only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
About Ricochet Media:
About Ricochet Media: Founded in 2014, Ricochet Media focuses on investigative and context-rich journalism, with a focus on Indigenous and climate stories. It is supported by a network of thousands of small monthly donors, charitable foundations, and a number of organizations dedicated to public interest journalism. Ricochet has won a half dozen national awards for investigative journalism over the past four years, including the 2021 Michener-Deacon Investigative Fellowship and the Canadian Association of Journalists’ highest honour in 2020. More recently, Ricochet won the 2024 Canadian Hillman prize for investigative journalism.
About the Local Journalism Initiative:
In some parts of Canada, residents do not have access to journalistic information about community issues and institutions through local newspapers, community radio, television, digital outlets or other news media. These gaps in coverage mean that citizens do not have necessary information about news, issues and events that affect them and their day-to-day lives. The Local Journalism Initiative (LJI) aims to change that.