Reporter, Arts (Reporter II)

Job Description

Summary:

WAMU 88.5 is a public media station owned and operated by American University. WAMU is the source for local, regional and NPR news and original programs in Washington DC. Since 1961, WAMU has been amplifying voices and sharing stories from the many neighborhoods and communities in the District of Columbia, Maryland and Virginia.

Essential Functions:
Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
1.) Research and report news stories

• Evaluate leads.
• Monitor major news developments.
• Contribute story ideas, or receive assignments from an editor.
• Determine story's emphasis, length, format and organize material accordingly.
•  Report both at a desk and in the field.
• Collaborate with other reporters, as needed. Some stories may require multiple edits and revisions.
• Write multiple broadcast/newscast pieces per week, and regularly contribute features and enterprise work.
• Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.

2.) Write and produce news stories on air

• Report both at a desk and in the field.
• Collaborate with other reporters, as needed. 
• Respond to edits with revisions. Stories may require multiple edits and revisions.
• Write multiple broadcast/newscast pieces per week, and regularly contribute features and enterprise work

3.) Produce web stories and social media

• Produce web stories in WordPress, including finding images, writing headlines (with the help of an editor).
• Write social media text, as needed  

4.) Engage audiences

• Participate in events, both internal and external, as a representative of the station and subject matter expert

5.) Other Duties

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

• Full-time.
• 35 hours per week.
• Non-Exempt.
• 3-4 days onsite
• This position is covered by SAG-AFTRA.

Salary Range:

• $44.05 - $48.00 per hour.

Job Requirements

Required Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience.
• Top-notch writing and reporting skills.
• Journalistic agility, or the ability to shift comfortably between writing radio scripts, online news articles, explainers, short and longer pieces.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Sharp interview skills.
• Strong journalistic ethics.
• Experience building audience connections using social media and mining platforms for story ideas, angles, and sources.
• Willingness to try new storytelling methods, and adapt to changing platforms and audience needs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with others.
• Commitment to building and fostering an inclusive, encouraging, and diverse workplace.
• Creativity, flexibility and resourcefulness.
• Must be an effective and imaginative storyteller with a keen sense of how to shape content to suit different audiences--both on air (via local newscasts, live two-ways, feature stories, etc.) and online (via WAMU.org and social media platforms).
• Must have a well-developed sense of how to create digital content that is compelling, sharable, visual, and impactful.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.

Other Details

• Hiring offers for this position are contingent on successful completion of a background check.
• Employees in staff positions at American University must deliver their services to the university from either the District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, or perform work on-site at the university.
• Please note this job announcement is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.
• American University is an E-Verify employer.

American University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution that operates in compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The university does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex (including pregnancy), age, sexual orientation, disability, marital status, personal appearance, gender identity and expression, family responsibilities, political affiliation, source of income, veteran status, an individual’s genetic information or any other bases under federal or local laws (collectively "Protected Bases") in its programs and activities.

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