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Reporter, Prince George's and Montgomery Counties (III) (17294)



Get to Know American University

At American University we value open and honest inquiry, servant leadership, and the affirmation of the human dignity of all. We envision a thriving AU community where individuals of all identities and experiences are understood, appreciated, and fully included, and where equitable treatment, opportunities, and outcomes prevail.

Our diverse community of students, faculty, and staff represent every state and more than 150 countries. Our internationally recognized faculty are today's thought leaders in the areas of public policy, law, the arts, communications, international development, and more. Our staff are innovative, service-oriented, and dedicated to moving the university towards achieving its strategic goals. We are committed to an excellent experience for all of our students, faculty and staff and share a passion for creating change through our knowledge and our work.

Learn more about American University by clicking here .

Summary/Objective

Reporters in WAMU’s newsroom help carry out our regional news initiatives across broadcast and digital platforms. In consultation with newsroom editors, reporters develop sources and shape their assigned beats. Coverage will include breaking news, day turn stories, explainers, two-ways, features and other enterprise work for both audio and the web.

The position requires curiosity, motivation, and a deep professional interest in local news. The Reporter should have strong editorial judgment and the ability to write quickly, clearly, accurately and with a distinctive and appealing style. In addition to beat coverage, all reporters will maintain regular breaking news shifts.

This reporter focuses primarily on the two biggest Maryland counties in our region, playing a leading role in coverage of these communities’ politics, education, and other news. They will have an eye on state politics, with coverageof regional state lawmakers and state policies that specifically focuses on the ways that it intersects with our region. The reporter will also cover regional news and other Maryland counties, as needed. The role requires a reporter who is particularly adept at prioritization and has a keen eye for the stories that will engage and appeal to residents of the Maryland suburbs.

Essential Functions
  1. Report and write news stories online and on air: Evaluate leads, monitor major news developments, and contribute story ideas, or receive assignments from an editor. Determine a web and/or broadcast story's emphasis, length, and format and organize material accordingly. Report at a desk, in the field and live on-air; Collaborate with other reporters, as needed. Write multiple web stories and broadcast/newscast pieces per week, and regularly contribute features and enterprise work. Cover at least two breaking news shifts per month. Establish and maintain relationships with individuals who are credible sources of information.
  2. Produce stories:Produce web stories in WordPress, including finding images, writing headlines (with the help of an editor), and doing SEO work. Write social media posts and newsletter copy for stories, as needed. Produce audio, utilizing field sound to create a sense of place and weaving appropriate sound bites together to paint a holistic portrait.
  3. Engage audiences:Engage with reader questions and feedback on social media and in DCist’s comment section, when necessary and as time allows. Participate in events, both internal and external, as a representative of the station and subject matter expert.


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
  • Full Time, 35 hours/week.
  • Project Leader/Advisor A.
  • Non-Exempt.
  • Occasional weekend, evening hours required.
  • This position is a part of the SAG AFTRA union.
Required Education and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree.
  • 4-6 years of relevant experience.
Additional Eligibility Qualifications
  • Top-notch writing and reporting skills.
  • Sharp interview skills.
  • Journalistic agility, or the ability to shift comfortably between writing radio scripts, online news articles, explainers, short and longer pieces.
  • 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.
Others
  • This position is considered essential staff
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 .

Union Eligibility

This position is part of a collective bargaining unit represented by SAG-AFTRA. That means the terms and conditions of your employment are governed by university policy (including the Staff Personnel Policies Manual) and any collective bargaining agreement entered into between American University and SAG-AFTRA.

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.
  • To ensure the health and safety of our community AU requires COVID-19 vaccinations for faculty and staff. Click here to learn more about our health and safety directive.
  • 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.
Current American University Employees

If you are a current employee at American University, please log intoAsuccessfulU through themyAU portal . Once in AsuccessfulU, please select the Careers tile which will take you to our internal career page.

Contact Us

For more information or assistance with the American University careers site, email theworkline@american.edu .

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.

Nearest Major Market: Washington DC

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