As global demand shifts toward renewable energy and sustainability, the role of Houston’s energy sector is evolving rapidly. We are seeking an Energy Transformation Reporter to cover the dynamic changes within the industry—tracking how traditional oil and gas companies are adapting to new energy landscapes, from renewable investments to cutting-edge technologies like hydrogen, carbon capture, and storage.

This reporter will dive into the complex world of energy transformation, bringing clarity to the economic, political, and environmental implications for both businesses and residents of the Houston area. In addition to following the money, the beat will track the impact on the employment sector as jobs shift from traditional oil and gas to these emerging technologies. The energy reporter will also track the state’s regulatory environment and who stands to gain – and lose – from the transition: workers, investors, C-suite executives and regional communities.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about reporting on business innovation, environmental policy, and economic change, bringing stories to life that explain what’s at stake for the industry, its workforce, and the broader Houston community.

Key responsibilities

Own the news of the day quickly, with accuracy, context and sweep. We must be first and best in order to serve the Houston community. Develop a beat that is audience-centered, focused on topics and issues that people care about Use and understand newsroom analytics to hone and identify coverage that serves readers Collaborates with other reporters, editors, visual journalists and audience colleagues to elevate our business coverage in ways that engage our core audience and gives new audiences a reason to subscribe Works with audience and data colleagues to present your work in new and engaging digital formats Publishes content at a cadence that ensures we are breaking news as soon as it happens, and offering exclusive, must-read impact and accountability work to a digital audience Produces exclusive coverage that lands with impact and drives conversation — giving new audiences a reason to convert and keeps our core audience coming back for more

Qualifications

 Must have at least 5 years experience as a beat reporter on an energy beat Strong writing, reporting skills, and story idea generation that is centered on audiences Understanding of SEO and other optimization opportunities Someone who can juggle daily stories with short- and long-term enterprise, as well as a range of story formats Someone who is passionate about holding power to account 

Success is measured by

Daily cadence of news coverage that consistently beats competitors. Primary KPIs:  Subscriber visits Conversions Secondary KPIs: Total visits Off-platform reporting, including social video

 

About the Houston Chronicle:

The Houston Chronicle, recognized for its Pulitzer Prize-winning journalism, serves its 2.3 million residents with content and marketing solutions across two of Houston’s largest websites — HoustonChronicle.com and Chron.com, along with our magazine, television and newspaper brands.  Our mission is to spark conversations that inspire action to create a better Houston.  All our content and the innovative business solutions we provide invite Houstonians to join conversations about a community we’ve been committed to covering and helping prosper for more than 120 years. The community we all call home.

WHAT WE OFFER:

There has never been a more exciting time to join the Houston Chronicle. Our business is growing and transforming every day.  Advertisers are partnering with us to help them navigate new marketing strategies in today’s increasingly complex digital environment. Simply put, the Houston Chronicle is a media company that uses its rich history and data to deliver the most impactful media campaigns for our customers. We leverage our substantial audience reach, coupled with best in class advertising solutions to keep our customer’s brand in front of the right people at the right time.

 Why are we different? Our people! Our company is diverse and filled with smart, passionate people who want to make a difference in their community, regardless of the role they play in the company. We offer an upbeat and collaborative working environment and expect our people to challenge the norm.

About Hearst Newspapers:

With 2,500 employees across the nation, HNP encompasses a network of 24 daily and 52 weekly publications, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, San Antonio Express-News and Albany Times Union, several top digital-only news and lifestyle sites, marketing services businesses, and entertainment businesses such as King Features Syndicate. 

At HNP, we are investing in new and innovative ways to tell stories – growing newsrooms, diversifying tools, evolving platforms – to support the millions of people who trust us each month to help them make decisions, take action and be inspired.  

Be a part of something bigger – your headline awaits.

Recognizing the diverse needs of our candidates, if you are interested in applying for employment and need assistance or an accommodation to use our website or regarding the application process, please contact us by email at hnpemployment@hearst.com.  Please do not use this email address to inquire about the status of applications. We will only respond to inquiries concerning requests for a reasonable accommodation through this email address.

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