Title: StateImpact Oklahoma Environment and Science Reporter

Reports to: StateImpact Oklahoma Managing Editor

StateImpact Oklahoma  seeks a tenacious and enterprising audio and digital storyteller to join its team of journalists investigating and explaining how public policy affects people in Oklahoma and beyond. This reporter will file stories predominantly on environment and science and work with news partners and editors from NPR.

This is an opportunity to do data-driven reporting on environmental issues, natural resources, scientific exploration and research, infrastructure, and the impact of science on our planet, lives and future. In addition to in-depth stories for broadcast and digital, this reporter will do spot news, series, and special projects. The ideal candidate will find, envision, and produce memorable stories that educate and serve the public. 

StateImpact Oklahoma (SIOK) is an enterprise journalism collaboration of Oklahoma NPR stations KGOU, KOSU, KWGS and KCCU. Since 2012, SIOK has won numerous awards, including regional Edward R. Murrow Awards and a national PRNDI Award. More than 230,000 listeners and digital readers follow SIOK reporting each week.

Required education and experience:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Broadcasting, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum 12 months experience as a reporter.
• Will accept 48 months of related experience in lieu of bachelor’s degree for a total of 60 months related experience.

Essential duties:

• Provides in-depth stories at least one week per month and other stories on a day-to-day basis.
• Conducts research, interviews, and other essential reporting tasks.
• Covers breaking news with live coverage. Participates in two-way conversation with program hosts.
• Creates, researches, and pitches ideas for stories and web postings.
• Develops news sources and keeps associated files.
• Produces content, web text, interactive material, and multimedia content.
• Writes, announces, and produces National Public Radio (NPR) audio stories for public media and written online stories.
• Responsible for research and newsgathering in the office and in the field including interviewing.
• Develops and maintains contacts, sources, and databases.
• Speaks on NPR at public forums, and other community events.
• Appears as a reporter on other public broadcasting stations for interviews and 2-way discussions.
• Performs various duties as needed to successfully fulfill the function of the position.

Required skills:

• Exceptional news judgment and high journalistic standards, including accuracy and fairness.
• Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing for broadcast.
• Ability to think critically and synthesize complex data.
• Advanced research, analytical, organizational, and time management skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to produce news reports in multiple formats on deadline.
• Broadcast journalism skills and techniques.
• Proficiency in Associated Press (AP) writing style.

Working conditions:

• Physical:

  • Ability to engage in repetitive motions.
  • Ability to operate recording, editing, and broadcast announcing equipment.
  • Ability to carry 25 pounds of equipment, sometimes moving over uneven terrain.
  • Ability to think critically and communicate effectively for broadcast.
  • Ability to sit and look at a computer for prolonged periods.
  • Must be able to engage in repetitive motions. Stand, bend, and reach.
• Environment:
  • Frequent exposure to pressure caused by deadlines and busy periods.
  • Requires work during non-business hours.
  • Exposure to various weather conditions.

Required documents:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Work samples (written and/or audio)

Department Preferences:

• Proficiency in audio production and writing for broadcast and digital distribution.
• Familiarity with editing and office software including Adobe Audition, MS Office, and Apple.
• Experience announcing and/or producing podcasts, documentaries, and series for a broadcast or digital news operation.
• Ability to represent and speak on behalf of StateImpact Oklahoma at public events.
• Regular news consumer who follows developments in science, environment, natural resources, government, or public policy.

Certifications or Licenses:

• Valid Oklahoma Drivers License to drive University vehicles or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire date.

This is a full-time position with regular hours Monday through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although occasional work after hours or on weekends should be expected. Salary is commensurate with experience.

University of Oklahoma employee, with university benefits. The University of Oklahoma is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer. Protected veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. The position is open until filled. More information is available at http://kgou.org/jobs.

The application is made online at https://jobs.ou.edu – Requisition number 241947.