Local Government & Communities Reporter

Job Description

Job Description

The Local Government & Communities Reporter is responsible for covering local government, public policy and civic issues that impact the daily lives of residents and the communities they call home. This role focuses on reporting from City Hall, county government and local agencies while producing breaking news, public service journalism, accountability reporting, explanatory stories and important community alerts. The position plays a key role in informing the public by providing accurate, timely and impactful coverage of issues including housing, growth, infrastructure, public safety, transportation, climate resilience and neighborhood change. Partners closely with editors and cross-functional teams to identify emerging stories, engage with community stakeholders, develop meaningful enterprise reporting and deliver journalism that fosters transparency, accountability and an informed public.

This position is within the bargaining unit represented by the SAG-AFTRA Union. Union membership is not required as a condition of employment.

Salary – $58,000.00 - $68,000.00 DOE

Benefits

• Generous Paid Time Off and 11 paid holidays
• Employer-paid Medical and Dental Insurance
• Employer-paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 2% SIMPLE IRA contribution
• Employee Assistance Program
• Downtown parking provided

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• A minimum of four years reporting experience and demonstrated initiative in developing sources to produce original reporting.
• Experience producing stories across multiple platforms and effectively using social media.
• Experience covering local government, politics, or public policy preferred.
• Demonstrated sound news judgment.
• A passion for the mission of public radio.
• Exceptional organizational and time management skills, including the ability to work effectively under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both oral and written.
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, accurate and compelling stories for broadcast and online.
• Ability to explain complex topics in accessible and engaging ways.
• Experience with public records requests.
• Experience using audio editing software and equipment to produce broadcast content.
• Technologically versatile and proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and organizational/communication software, with willingness to expand skills.
• Multimedia reporting and digital storytelling skills are desirable.
• Demonstrated professionalism and strong collaborative skills.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to work efficiently with limited direct supervision.
• Ability to balance daily coverage with medium- and long-term story development.
• Able to work extended hours as needed and travel, sometimes on short notice.
• Ability to travel to story destinations in a timely manner.  
• Spanish proficiency is highly preferred.

Typical Duties

• Produces original enterprise reporting on City Council, local government agencies and significant civic and public policy developments impacting local communities. 
• Produces daily coverage and breaking news related to local government and public policy.
• Develops original explanatory, investigative and accountability journalism that analyzes the impact of local government and public policy decisions on communities and civic life. 
• Produces in-depth reporting on housing, transportation, infrastructure, public safety, growth and development, climate resilience, and neighborhood change affecting local communities. 
• Conceives, develops and executes original enterprise and investigative story ideas, exercising independent editorial judgment in researching, structuring and producing multi-platform journalism for broadcast, digital and social audiences. 
• Develops relationships with community members, public officials, advocates, and subject-matter experts.
• Conducts independent research and analysis using public records, data sets and documentary sources to develop original, accountability-driven journalism.
• Collaborates with journalists on coverage of statewide issues, accountability reporting and stories connecting local communities to broader regional and state trends.
• Participates in daily editorial meetings and collaborates on special coverage and newsroom initiatives.
• Represents the organization at community events, public forums and civic gatherings, contributing to audience engagement, source development and the advancement of enterprise reporting priorities. 
• Uses social media applications to disseminate news and engage audiences.
• Fulfills administrative obligations related to assignments, including timely communication with editors, accurate story summaries and expense reports.
• Participates appropriately in station fundraising, sponsorship activities and live events.
• Performs other duties, tasks and special projects as assigned.

When you apply - please submit:

• Cover Letter
• Resume
• Professional References
• Salary Requirements

The above description covers the principal duties and responsibilities of the job. The description shall not, however, be construed as a complete listing of all miscellaneous, incidental or similar duties which may be required from day-to-day. The candidate selected for employment will be required to submit to a criminal background check, education verification and drug test.

Interested candidates should submit their resume, with salary requirements, via our career portal on our website at or contact us directly at View phone number on ziprecruiter.com with any questions. 

 

Equal Employment Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V