The South Seattle Emerald™ amplifies the authentic narratives of South Seattle: stories shaped by the people who live, work, dream, and fight for this community. Whether you're a journalist, a first-time writer, or someone with a story that deserves to be heard, there's a place for you here.
As salaried positions become available at the Emerald™, we will post them here.
• No open staff positions at this time.
We encourage you to check back or follow our social media channel for updates.
The Emerald collaborates regularly with freelance writers, photographers, illustrators, and videographers, both emerging and established.
We especially welcome freelancers who:
• Have lived experience or cultural insight connected to their stories
• Spend meaningful time in South Seattle or South King County
• Are interested in community reporting, features, arts, culture, or opinion
The Emerald has always amplified the narratives of BIPOC communities. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from women, LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other underrepresented communities.
To express interest in freelancing:
Email hr@seattleemerald.org with a brief cover letter, resume, and links to 1–2 samples (or a writing sample if you haven't been published before).
Want to keep tabs on the Seattle City Council? Curious about King County government? If so, come write for the South Seattle Emerald.
We're looking for a political reporter to file 1–2 stories a week. The ideal candidate:
• Has writing or journalism experience
• Can meet deadlines consistently
• Can explain complex political issues in clear, accessible language
• Lives in South Seattle or can cover local politics with a strong South End lens
This is a freelance position and does not include benefits. We pay $300–$500 per story. Position starts January 2026.
To apply:
Send a cover letter, resume, and links to 1–2 stories to hr@seattleemerald.org. If you haven't written professionally, include a writing sample.