Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE:                                       General Assignments Reporter II 

DEPARTMENT:                         News

REPORTS TO:                           All Things Considered Host/Editor

CLASSIFICATION:                   Exempt

SALARY RANGE:                     $58,000 - $65,000 DOE

SUMMARY: 

San Antonio is the 7th largest city in the U.S. with a growing and thriving economy. Texas Public Radio is seeking an energetic and engaged general assignments reporter to help tell this city’s story as it continues to expand. 

In this role, you will play a vital part in delivering high-quality journalism that keeps our listeners engaged and informed about the issues that matter most in San Antonio and South Texas. This can include reporting on breaking news as it occurs. 

This position, while covering various stories as needed, will also support TPR’s news desks.

Texas Public Radio (TPR) is a mission-driven, award-winning, multi-media organization serving an audience of more than 200,000 across a wide expanse of the state.  

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

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

      Conceive, propose, plan, research and produce stories and program segments for both broadcast and digital distribution. 

      Make appropriate, timely, and effective independent decisions, in coordination with editors, regarding issues to be covered. 

      Keep up-to-date on issues in a variety of local and regional topics – with a focus on public health – and actively participate in the community and digital engagement processes as one method of determining stories and sources. 

      Cultivate sources and develop relationships with subject matter experts. 

      Utilize social media applications to disseminate news to and engage the TPR audience. Participate in the production of special programming.

      Participate in community activities such as town hall meetings and panel discussions. 

      Identify opportunities for additional coverage by others in TPR’s newsroom and share technical knowledge and sources. 

      Participate appropriately in station fundraising, sponsorship activities and live events. Collaborate cross-departmentally to fulfill TPR’s mission to serve the community.

      Fulfill administrative obligations related to assignments, including filing prompt and accurate program information/summaries, maintaining contact with and keeping the News managers informed about assignments, keeping appropriate files and submitting timely expense reports.

Requirements

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Communications or related field, or equivalent experience.  Spanish language fluency is a plus.

EXPERIENCE:  A minimum of three years reporting experience, including gathering story information, interviewing newsmakers, and writing clear, concise news content.  Must demonstrate initiative in developing sources to produce original reports.   Experience writing and producing news on multiple platforms and effectively using social media is a plus. Strong preference for candidates with public media broadcasting experience.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS:  

      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, compelling stories for broadcast and online.

      Photography and photo editing skills.

      Experience using audio editing software and equipment to produce content for broadcast.

      Ability to understand complex topics and convey the information in compelling reports. 

      Technologically versatile, proficient in Microsoft Office, Google Drive and other organizational and communication software, with willingness to expand skills.  Multimedia skills, including experience producing and editing digital media.

      Demonstrated professionalism and personal relationship skills, including the ability to work well with other team members.

      Self-motivated, with a “willing spirit” and the ability to work efficiently with limited direct supervision.

      Ability to balance short, medium, and long-term story projects

      Able to work extended hours as needed and to travel, sometimes on short notice.

      Must have valid standard Class C driver’s license and transportation.

We believe a strong organization includes employees from a range of backgrounds, with different skills, experiences and passions.  If you don't meet every job qualification but have some of these skills and think you're the right person for the job, we'd like to hear from you.   Please apply and tell us more about yourself.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

      Using fingers to make small movements such as typing or picking up small objects.

      Frequently conveying detailed or important instructions or ideas accurately, clearly, and quickly.

      Able to hear average or normal conversations in person or by phone.

      Frequently and regularly using the wrists, hands, and fingers.

      Average, ordinary, visual acuity necessary to prepare or inspect documents or other materials.

      Sedentary work; sitting most of the time. May have to lift folders, files, papers, audio/video equipment, and other items weighing up to approximately 25 lbs.

NOTE:  This job description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed.  It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of all duties, skills, and responsibilities required.  Additionally, this job description is not intended as an employment contract, implied or otherwise, and Texas Public Radio continues to maintain its status as an at-will employer (unless modified by an in force collective bargaining agreement containing a “just cause” for discipline or discharge standard).