Acting Houston Correspondent

About us

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

 

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion 

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

 

The role

The Financial Times has a vacancy in Houston for a correspondent to support our world-beating coverage of the energy sector and Texas. 

Energy is a global industry, and the Houston correspondent is a key member of the US energy team, which complements our top-notch natural resources team in London and is growing the Energy Source newsletter as a “mini brand”. 

The shale revolution in the Permian basin is one of the most consequential changes in the American economy in a generation, turning the US into a net exporter of oil and transforming everything from its internal demography to its geostrategic approach to the Middle East. The election of Donald Trump, who has pledged to “drill, baby, drill” and gut Joe Biden’s inflation reduction act, places an even greater focus on the energy sector and the trajectory of the green transition away from fossil fuels.      

In this role you will cover some of the world’s most valuable companies, including ExxonMobil, as well as assist in covering the broader energy story in the Americas, at a time of surging electricity demand due to the AI boom.

You will report on the Texas economy, which is the second largest of any state in the US and has become a magnet for corporate investment due to low taxes, cheap energy and light touch regulation. Migration will be another key theme for coverage given Trump’s pledge to implement mass deportations and build more border walls.  

You will be able to work independently and pursue an active news agenda, while finding stories that warrant deeper investigation. You will report to the FT’s US energy editor, Jamie Smyth.

This is initially a six-month posting to cover a parental leave in another bureau but there is the possibility of an extension. 

 

 Key responsibilities

• Cover Texas’ big energy companies, particularly ExxonMobil, and refineries, breaking stories and identifying key trends
• Lead coverage of the US shale industry
• Contribute to FT-wide effort to improve clean energy and environmental coverage
• Help build revamped Energy Source “mini-brand” with New York and London-based energy teams, including contributions to the FT’s newsletter output
• Assist in coverage of energy in the Americas, particularly Venezuela and Mexico
• Report on the Texas economy and politics, including migration 
• Report across all digital platforms and engage with the FT’s audience through social media
• Demonstrate numeracy and proficiency in handling data, the ability to explain analyses confidently
• Produce simple charts and identify opportunities to collaborate with Visual and Data Journalism team

 

Who we are looking for

You will have a record of corporate reporting and a good grounding in geopolitics. Although past work in the energy sector is not required, this is a position for a proven correspondent rather than an entry-level posting. Knowledge of Spanish is also a plus. We are looking for a self-starter with good interpersonal skills who can maintain strong lines of communication with both the NY and London news desks, as well as the global energy teams. 

 

Please submit your application by the end of the day, Tuesday 26th February 2025. 

 

Salary range

A reasonable estimate of the salary range for this role is $90,000 to $115,000. To ensure pay fairness, the successful candidate will be offered a salary within the estimated salary range based on a number of considerations including but not limited to: skill set; experience and training; certifications; and other business and organisational needs. This position is represented by the News Guild.

 

The use of AI

Original reporting, great writing and intelligent commentary lie at the heart of FT journalism.  Our readers trust us to produce quality journalism that is accurate, fair and insightful. This is why FT editorial staff do not use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to write articles or create other reader-facing content. For specific and pre-approved cases, AI can be harnessed for certain tasks, such as assisting data research for investigations.  

We expect applicants to the FT newsroom to refrain from using AI in their test submissions, and any written materials should be a genuine reflection of their own knowledge, skills and experiences. We encourage candidates only to employ AI as a tool to help with research and interview readiness for a role. 

Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process is monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.

 

What’s in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a hybrid working model that promotes flexibility, including remote work options. We will support specific flexibility requests for all roles where feasible.

 

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments/personalisation as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you would like to discuss your requirements or have any questions, email talent@ft.com and a member of our team will be happy to help.

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