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Help shape the future of media as National Observer's new national political reporter

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Shape the future of Canadian media as National Observer’s new national reporter

Help shape the future of Canadian media with Observer Media Group at Canada’s National Observer as national political reporter. For more than a decade, Observer Media Group has led the digital re-invention of Canadian media, driven the national conversation on energy and climate change, and made history as the first all-digital publication to win a National Newspaper Award and a Michener Award citation. And our Election Integrity Reporting Project has placed us at the centre of Canada’s battle against online misinformation and electoral manipulation.

We seek a talented journalist with significant reporting experience to support our next phase of groundbreaking journalism. You’re the right person for the job if you share our commitment to the highest journalistic and ethical standards, shine at working with people as well as words, and enjoy producing world-class journalism.

This position is based in Ottawa.

What you will do

Reporting directly to the editor-in-chief, you will be key to delivering effective enterprise reporting, investigative pieces and strong storytelling on the federal government, people, and other Ottawa-based agencies in areas of public interest.

Who you are

You are the right person for this job if you are a passionate, insightful and tech-savvy journalist with significant experience in national political reporting. You may love dogging an investigation or writing a brilliant story, but you might also get as much satisfaction from breaking a story that inspires hope or provides insight into a powerful personality or policy.

This role is a good fit for someone who likes to work collaboratively, as part of a team, but is also highly independent, thoughtful and self-motivated. You’ll find this position particularly fulfilling if you share the Observer’s commitment to rigorous coverage of climate and social justice issues, combating misinformation, and developing innovative ways of delivering high-quality journalism online.

Your specific background and skills should include:

Journalistic experience: You should have at least five years of experience in producing high quality journalism; and a track record sustaining effective working relationships with a range of people and personalities, including those in roles both senior and junior to you.

Editorial skill: You should have a portfolio of published work that demonstrates your excellence as a writer and reporter; a proven ability to provide effective, timely stories in progress; an instinct for identifying and framing stories that attract and engage readers; and an ability to be prolific, factual, fair and open-minded.

Work ethic: You are a hard worker who is organized, reliable, hard-working and detail-oriented; you know how to juggle tasks and priorities as part of a fast-paced organization; you communicate clearly and respectfully with colleagues; and you inspire others with your own hard work and commitment.

Expertise: You are deeply engaged in journalism with a thorough knowledge of industry news and publications; you’re a forward-looking journalist with genuine passion for the emergent possibilities of online storytelling and audience engagement; and you’re knowledgeable on the key issues in Canada today, including national and provincial parties and policies, climate change, the energy industry, and the problem of misinformation.

How to apply

We will accept applications for this position until August 15, 2019, with the intention of filling the position no later than September 15th; we will begin reviewing applications as we receive them, so please submit yours as soon as possible.

This is a permanent, full-time employee position to be based in Ottawa; salary will be commensurate with experience, and will be competitive with editorial roles at traditional print or broadcast companies.

To apply, please submit a résumé and cover letter through our online application portal. Your cover letter should specifically address:

  • Why this role appeals to you

  • Your experience and major accomplishments as a journalist

  • A particular issue area or type of journalistic initiative you would be excited about working on at Canada’s National Observer

Please be advised that we can only contact candidates we wish to interview, but we thank everyone for their interest in working with the team at Observer Media Group.

About Canada’s National Observer

With offices in Ottawa, Toronto and Vancouver, CNO is a leader in digital media. We have a core team of full-time journalists and work with freelancers across Canada and in the U.S. With a focus on climate change, energy, disinformation, and politics, CNO has made history as the first digital-only publication to win a National Newspaper Award and to receive a Michener Award citation. CNO is owned by Observer Media Group, a certified B corp. CNO is a member of The Trust Project.

Other job postings: Managing editor

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