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BIPOC Community and Policy Reporter Fellowship Temporary Full Time NEW
ABOUT THE NARWHAL
The Narwhal is an award-winning online magazine that publishes in-depth and investigative journalism about the natural world in Canada.
Think of us as part newsroom, part non-profit and part startup. As a non-profit, reader-funded news organization, our goal isn’t to sell advertising or to please corporate bigwigs — it’s to bring evidence-based news and analysis to the surface for our readers. We’re part of a revolution in public-interest journalism that is reinvigorating the relationship between readers and the journalists who work on their behalf — and we want you to join us.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Location: Greater Toronto Area (hybrid)
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, Monday – Friday, full time
Type: Fellowship, ten-month contract with the possibility to extend to one year
Start date: June 1, 2026
The Narwhal is hiring a BIPOC community and policy reporter to join our growing Ontario bureau for a ten-month fellowship to bolster our coverage in the most populous and diverse region of the country while developing their reporting skills through mentorship and training from our award-winning team. The fellow will focus on how environment and development policy affect racialized communities in southern Ontario. They will produce the kind of impact-driven journalism The Narwhal is known for. Think punchy, context-rich news stories that get beyond the superficial headlines; explainer stories that break down what’s happening so anyone can understand it; and short investigations.
This fellowship is intended for an early- to mid-career journalist who will benefit from our supportive team of editors and reporters as they hone their news judgement, reporting, interviewing and investigative skills and writing. The ideal candidate is curious, collaborative and eager to do impactful, on-the-ground reporting. They’re excited to build strong relationships with diverse sources and produce clear, compelling stories that broaden the types of voices and stories told across Ontario’s media landscape.
This position is funded by a grant generously provided by the Canadian Race Relations Foundation. As per The Narwhal’s editorial independence policy, the foundation will have no editorial input into the fellow’s journalistic work.
RESPONSIBILITIES
– Pitch, take assignments and report on topics in areas such as natural resource management and development, energy, conservation, environmental racism, urban development, agriculture, land use and the transition to a low-carbon economy
– Work with the bureau chief to identify reporting areas, choose stories and set deadlines and priorities
– File a range of stories, including breaking news, explainers and in-depth, character-driven features of various lengths, with an eye to incorporating solutions journalism and complicating the narrative
– Build, develop and maintain a network of diverse sources
– Meet deadlines as agreed upon with the bureau chief and editorial staff
– Collaborate with colleagues across the newsroom and contribute to Narwhal collaborations with outside newsrooms
– Contribute to multimedia productions, including short- and long-form videos
– Keep organized records of research, interviews, freedom of information requests and multimedia content and files. Store all relevant reporting materials and files in designated team folders
– Make sure reporting is factually accurate, and liaise with editors and lawyers about legal concerns when needed
– Collaborate with the audience and grants teams to track impact
– Source images and load articles to the website, as required
– Attend regular team meetings, retreats, training sessions, member events and listening sessions
– Travel for training or reporting trips as required, including overnight
– Coordinate with photojournalists
– Attend in-person conferences, legislative sessions, press conferences, interviews, etc., as required
– Work a flexible schedule based on reporting and news needs, including some evenings and weekends — though the role will function primarily during regular work hours
– Follow and adhere to The Narwhal’s values, policies and procedures, including the code of ethics, editorial standards and digital security requirements
QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
– Up to five years of professional reporting experience, including a minimum of one year covering stories in Ontario
– Strong research and writing skills
– Strong communication skills
– Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
– Effective time management and the ability to meet deadlines
– Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, geographically distributed team
– Fluency in English, verbal and written, required
– Valid driver’s licence
– Able to travel to downtown Toronto and Queen’s Park, including on short notice during breaking news
DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
– Experience reporting on climate, environment, energy, Indigenous Rights, conservation, land use, provincial politics or related topics
– Experience and awareness reporting in and about diverse or underrepresented communities
– Working understanding of Indigenous Rights issues in Ontario and a demonstrated commitment to ongoing learning and relationship-based reporting
– Experience applying solutions journalism principles
– Familiarity with trauma-informed journalism practices
– Familiarity with freedom of information processes, data analysis and public records research
WE OFFER THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS
– A flexible workplace with a vibrant, collaborative culture
– A shared office in Toronto
– Group health, vision and dental benefits and a health spending account
– GRSP base contributions after three months
– 20 vacation days per year (prorated), your birthday off
– 10 personal days per year
– Organization-wide December holiday shutdown
– Professional development opportunities
HOW TO APPLY
To apply, please submit a cover letter, résumé and three samples of your work by 11:59 PM ET, April 17, 2026, at the latest, via our Bamboo page: https://thenarwhal.bamboohr.com/careers/41?source=aWQ9MjQ%3D. Please include your full name in the file name of any attachments you submit. In your cover letter, please tell us why specifically you want to work at The Narwhal and what from your previous experience makes you a good fit for this role. If you have any questions, please reach out to [email protected]
Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
The Narwhal is working to build an inclusive and equitable team that reflects the communities we serve. People who identify as being from marginalized communities, including Indigenous Peoples, racialized people, people with disabilities, people identifying as 2SLGBTQ+, and people from low-income backgrounds are especially encouraged to apply. Disability-related accommodations are available for candidates taking part in our hiring process. We will ask candidates selected for an interview about any accessibility needs ahead of the scheduled interview.
WHAT TO EXPECT
– Selected candidates will be invited to a phone interview. Following that, successful candidates will be invited to a panel interview in late April
– Candidates will meet a mix of team members during the interview process
– The hiring committee will consist of three interviewers in each session
– All interviews will be conducted online via Zoom
– The start date for this position is June 1, 2026, at the latest