Planet Detroit, Michigan’s leading source of local environmental and public health news, seeks a deeply curious, passionate and skilled reporter to help our upstart newsroom reach the next step in its evolution and impact. Is it you?

You have two or more years of journalism experience. You are passionate about how your reporting can impact the health and quality of life in local communities – particularly those traditionally underrepresented and underserved. You are comfortable reporting through a lens of social and racial equity.

You value both accountability and solutions journalism and are familiar with developing a beat and pitching unique story angles. You don’t need to be an environmental expert to excel in this role– but you do need to be an ambitious and meticulous reporter with a strong desire to do great work. 

You are a strong and fast writer committed to producing accurate and high-quality work on deadline. You are ok with switching gears as needed in a changing news cycle and taking feedback to improve your work. And you are excited about getting in at the ground level of a cutting-edge journalism venture and partnering with other local and national news organizations to fill information needs in our community.

You will produce 1-3 news stories weekly while pursuing enterprise work. You’ll cover live meetings, support staff with research, and may sometimes do some pinch-hitting aggregation for our award-winning weekly newsletters. You’re flexible enough to juggle these competing demands with grace and a sense of humor.

You live in or near Detroit and will be available to report in person while developing networks and trust in the community. While most of your reporting will focus on Detroit, we also report on relevant metro and statewide issues. Some travel may be required.

This position offers:

• Salary starting at $58,000, commensurate with experience
• Medical, vision, and dental benefits. 
• A minimum of three weeks of paid time off per year and eight paid holidays. 
• Four weeks of paid parental leave plus additional unpaid leave.  
• Professional development stipend
• We do not work between Christmas and New Year – and neither will you!

Planet Detroit is committed to dismantling systemic racism in our communities and in journalism. We prohibit discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, mental or physical disability, political belief or affiliation, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. 

We encourage members of traditionally underrepresented groups, including women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and those with disabilities, to apply.

Planet Detroit is an award-winning news startup launched in 2019. We’ve garnered recognition and respect among our peers in local and national media, and frequently collaborate with other newsrooms. We are a strong and stable organization supported through a diverse mix of philanthropic funding and reader support. We offer a flexible hybrid work environment – you can work at home or in our coworking space in Detroit – we trust you to figure out what works best for you.

Apply by sending a cover letter, resume, and work samples via this form. Have a question about the role or your application? Email nina@planetdetroit.org. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.