Climate Policy Correspondent
thenewyorktimes
Washington, DC · Washington · United States
Posted May 22, 2026
- Other
- Reporting
thenewyorktimes
Washington, DC · Washington · United States
Posted May 22, 2026
The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for.
The Climate Desk at the New York Times is looking for a high-energy and collaborative journalist to join the team of reporters covering climate and environmental policy and politics.
Climate policy has swung wildly in Washington over the last few years, and we're looking for a reporter who can help readers understand what's happening and why. We want to dig into what's different, who's influencing policymakers and who's benefiting from the shifts and how changing government rules and regulations play out around the country. Our team has a broad mandate for big stories on everything from the National Park Service to the Environmental Protection Agency, from the growth of nuclear power to the Trump administration's war on wind.
You should have a track record of scoops and reporting that has helped to shape the national conversation. You should have a body of work that shows creativity, deep sourcing, broad curiosity, an eye for news and a command of complex ideas.
You should also be a fluid writer who can step back, connect the dots and tell the larger story in compelling ways.
This is an in-office position, based in Washington, D.C. and includes regular attendance in the office four days each week. There may be some flexibility to work remotely per your departmental guidance.
Responsibilities:
Break news on climate and environmental policy, focusing on the E.P.A., the Interior and Energy departments and Congress.
Pitch, report and write news and surprising enterprise on climate and environmental policy and politics.
Think visually about the most compelling ways to present stories.
Contribute to live coverage on breaking news stories.
Help readers understand the impact of regulations and the political forces at play.
Collaborate with other reporters on news and enterprise.
Deliver fast, clean copy in accessible style on complicated topics.
Ensure accuracy and clarity.
Work collaboratively with members of a multidisciplinary team.
Meet tight deadlines and be able to thrive in a daily, unpredictable news environment.
Demonstrate support and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world.
This role reports to the Deputy Editor, Climate.
Basic Qualifications:
5+ years of experience working for a daily news organization
3+ years of demonstrated beat authority
A portfolio that demonstrates you are well-versed in current policy, and have a growing circle of expert sources among researchers, policymakers, analysts, public interest groups and lawmakers
A portfolio that includes news, enterprise and analysis
Crisp, clear, writing skills that also demonstrate a mastery of journalistic style and standards
Preferred Qualifications:
Facility with visual and alternative forms of storytelling
8+ years of experience working for a daily news organization
This position is represented by the NewsGuild of NY.
REQ- 020153
Additional Compensation and Benefits
For roles in the U.S., dependent on your role, you may be eligible for variable pay, such as an annual bonus and restricted stock. Benefits may include medical, dental and vision benefits, Flexible Spending Accounts (F.S.A.s), a company-matching 401(k) plan, employee stock purchase plan, paid vacation, paid sick days, paid parental leave, tuition reimbursement and professional development programs.
For roles outside of the U.S., information on benefits will be provided during the interview process.
Candidate Use of GenAI Tools:
We’re excited to learn more about you and your experience. To keep our hiring process as fair and authentic as possible, we ask that you submit your own work and not use GenAI tools to generate substantive content during the application and interview process.
If you’re an engineering candidate, we’ll let you know what specific GenAI tools you are permitted to use for your technical assessment.
The New York Times Company is committed to being the world’s best source of independent, reliable and quality journalism. To do so, we embrace a diverse workforce that has a broad range of backgrounds and experiences across our ranks, at all levels of the organization. We encourage people from all backgrounds to apply.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate on the basis of an individual's sex, age, race, color, creed, national origin, alienage, religion, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation or affectional preference, gender identity and expression, disability, genetic trait or predisposition, carrier status, citizenship, veteran or military status and other personal characteristics protected by law. All applications will receive consideration for employment without regard to legally protected characteristics. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)’s Know Your Rights Poster is available here.
The New York Times Company will provide reasonable accommodations as required by applicable federal, state, and/or local laws. Individuals seeking an accommodation for the application or interview process should email reasonable.accommodations@nytimes.com. Emails sent for unrelated issues, such as following up on an application, will not receive a response.
For information about The New York Times' privacy practices for job applicants, click here.
Please beware of fraudulent job postings. Scammers may post fraudulent job opportunities, and they may even make fraudulent employment offers. This is done by bad actors to collect personal information and money from victims. All legitimate job opportunities from The New York Times will be accessible through The New York Times careers site. The New York Times will not ask job applicants for financial information or for payment, and will not refer you to a third party to do so. You should never send money to anyone who suggests they can provide employment with The New York Times.
If you see a fake or fraudulent job posting, or if you suspect you have received a fraudulent offer, you can report it to The New York Times at NYTapplicants@nytimes.com. You can also file a report with the Federal Trade Commission or your state attorney general.