General Assignment Reporter

Job Description:

Req #:	237680
Department:	KUOW / PSPR
Appointing Department Web Address:	https://www.kuow.org/
Job Location Detail:	U District; open to hybrid work schedule (combination in-office + remote)
Posting Date:	08/13/2024
Closing Info:	Open Continuous
Salary:	$6,246 - $6,820 per month
Other Compensation:	Overtime eligible
Union Position:	Yes
Shift:	First Shift
Benefits:	As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here.

Join the award-winning newsroom at KUOW Puget Sound Public Radio, Seattle’s NPR news station. We are an independent, mission-driven nonprofit news organization dedicated to informing, entertaining and inspiring an audience of millions in Western Washington and the majestic Pacific Northwest. We are seeking a General Assignment Reporter (Reporter 1) to help our newsroom cover daily assignments for KUOW’s broadcast and digital audiences.

PURPOSE
The General Assignment Reporter plays a key role in KUOW’s daily news coverage, finding and regularly reporting stories for broadcast and digital audiences. The GA reporter tackles a wide variety of stories – hard news, breaking news, hyperlocal stories, explainers, continuing coverage, profiles, buzzy/trend stories and occasional enterprise work.

JOB SUCCESS SUMMARY
The General Assignment Reporter is curious about a wide variety of stories, from city hall to pickleball. You have your ear to the ground and are full of ideas for original reporting that reflects the life of the city and region. You enjoy and excel at short-form reporting on radio and online. You work the phones to get great tape from the desk, and have a knack for finding interesting, passionate voices in the field. You are highly productive, thrive when working at a fast pace and stay calm and focused when reporting breaking news. You are dedicated to the mission of public media and committed to producing journalism with integrity and editorial judgment that reflects the community.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Original reporting (85%)

• Contribute stories (3 per week minimum) to KUOW 94.9 and KUOW.org
• Meet daily filing schedule that may require occasional evening and weekend work
• Respond to breaking news
• Appear on KUOW broadcast shows and podcasts
• Build sources and find new voices
• Use social media as a reporting tool

Station support (15%)

• Participate in fundraising efforts
• Appear at live events
• Perform other duties as assigned

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Position reports to a news editor.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

None

Requirements include:

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of professional journalism experience including specific position requirements relating to news writing, radio production and audio editing; or equivalent combination of education/experience.

Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.

Desired:

• Familiarity with and appreciation of public media programming
• Familiarity with Seattle and Western Washington

Working Conditions:

• Duties may occasionally require evening and weekend work when necessary to meet critical deadlines, especially during election cycles.
• Ability to travel when necessary to meet with sources and to attend station events.
• Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distractions.
• Position is suitable/eligible for Hybrid/Occasional Telework.

COMMITMENT TO DIVERSITY AND RACIAL EQUITY

KUOW and the University of Washington are equal opportunity employers. KUOW is dedicated to building a culturally and ethnically diverse staff and creating a working environment that promotes racial equity and inclusiveness. We believe attracting and retaining diverse staff is crucial to serving our community and fulfilling our mission. Women, Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQ+ individuals, people with disabilities and veterans are highly encouraged to apply.