Journalist, Producer - Wyoming Public Media

The University of Wyoming invites diverse applicants to consider our employment opportunities. We are also especially interested in candidates who have experience working with diverse populations and/or diverse initiatives .

JOB TITLE:

Journalist, Producer

JOB PURPOSE:

The multimedia journalist/digital content producer captures the stories of the changing environment and communities in the American West for multi-platform distribution. This position combines the resources of Wyoming Public Media and the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.

ABOUT THIS POSITION:

This position is a unique hybrid of Wyoming Public Media journalist and Buffalo Bill Center of the West multi-platform content producer. Both organizations share a common interest in Wyoming/Western content. The selected candidate will cover Wyoming and regional west topics, and also produce innovative digital media content focusing on the museum’s informational and educational goals. The selected candidate will work with professionals at both WPM and the Center of the West. The position reports to and is administered by WPM.

This position will be based in a digital production facility at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming; the person holding the position will have a strong on-site presence. It is part of WPM’s partnership with the Museum to 1) establish a Northwest Wyoming presence for WPM at the museum, and 2) create and disseminate compelling Wyoming-centric and Rocky Mountain West content that will be used by both organizations.

Wyoming Public Media Journalist: Though this position handles general assignment reporting for Cody and Northwest Wyoming, it has a strong concentration in areas of the American West, nature and wildlife in the region, particularly Yellowstone National Park, and cultural/historic content. The reporter/producer will carry out assignments from WPM managing editors, pursue enterprise journalism across the region, cover breaking news as required, and collaborate with curators and staff at the Center of the West for story ideas. This journalist also interacts with reporters at the Mountain West News Bureau of which WPM is a founding member.

Center of the West Content Producer: The selected individual will produce digital audio content for the Center’s website, exhibit enhancements, oral histories, audio tours, podcasts, and other products supporting the mission of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West. He or she will advise museum administration on opportunities and challenges related to media technologies, visitor impact, public outreach, and media awareness.

In light of the partnership and shared values of WPM and the Center, work requirements of the two institutions will not compete or conflict; rather, they will be complementary. The majority of content produced for the Center will be posted on WPM’s websites and disseminated regionally and nationally. Importantly, the Center will support the journalistic process determined and managed by WPM and the employee, i.e. the Center will not dictate journalistic priorities. The position’s administrative reporting structure is managed by WPM.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Report on and document Wyoming’s and the American West’s critical issues, unique Western heritage, and its multifaceted future. Research, analyze, and investigate topics. Engage in Wyoming Public Media fundraising. Meet WPM, Center, national media, and grant criteria in quality and quantity.

• Provide breaking news and production support to NPR and other public media entities as needed.
• Gain familiarity with the organization, goals, and history and culture of the Buffalo Bill Center of the West.
• Serve as the principle point of contact for Yellowstone National Park content.
• Interact with the public and facilitate community engagement.
• Create reports, features, and research for multiple platforms including radio and online that reflect Wyoming’s heritage and related issues and build global awareness for Wyoming topics, and that can be incorporated into WPM’s on-air and WPM’s and Center’s online presences.
• Incorporate photo essays and video. Utilize a broad array of distribution systems including Twitter, Facebook, and other emerging information sharing systems.
• Produce and/or assist in producing content for the WPM’s and Center’s websites, podcasts, and other products and for Center’s exhibit enhancements, oral histories, audio tours, podcasts, and other products.
• Track WPM and Center activity across all platforms and initiatives related to issues for purposes of reporting to grant funders and other stakeholders.
• Support fundraising on-air and host assigned on-air segments.
• Operate, maintain, and manage digital production equipment in cooperation with WPM’s and Center’s staffs.
• Advise Center leadership on digital media applications to enhance visitor experience.
• Communicate effectively across both management structures.

SUPPLEMENTAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide assistance in station management and assist in news coverage and live or taped events.
• Provide coverage for air shifts in the absence of other broadcast personnel.

COMPETENCIES:

• Adaptability
• Analysis/problem Identification
• Formal Presentation Skills
• Consistency
• Meeting Membership
• Stress Tolerance
• Work Standards

REMOTE WORK ELIGIBILITY:

This position requires the successful candidate be available to work in Cody Wyoming.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Journalism or related field.

Experience: Three years’ experience in a senior broadcast managing position in radio and multi-media platforms.

*The position requires residence in Cody, Wyoming, or surrounding area.*

Required licensure, certification, registration or other requirements:

• Valid driver's license with a motor vehicle record (MVR) that is compliant with the University Vehicle Use Policy .

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Public radio and public radio fundraising experience.
• Proven reporting on topics such as wildlife, rugged and/or remote locations, history, culture, lore.
• Knowledge of and experience in dealing with public broadcasting news FCC regulations, as well as a deep understanding and acceptance of journalistic principles governing public radio news.
• Strong affinity for the history and cultures of the West.
• A strong portfolio of general reporting and content development in areas related to or similar to the American West.
• Experience including spot news, investigative reporting, and digital reporting.
• Excellent and proven communications and people skills, including impeccable writing and editing.
• High motivation, a “can do” attitude, and ability to operate efficiently and creatively across a variety of teams with focus and maturity.
• Ability to travel to and work in remote, often rugged locations.

REQUIRED MATERIALS:

Complete the online application, upload the following, and email requested work samples to Diana Denison at ddenison@uwyo.edu for a complete application:

• Cover letter
• Resume or C.V.
• Contact information for four work related references.
• Work Samples to include:
  • 3 audio files of announcing and hosting (in MP-3 format)
  • 2 samples of news stories you wrote
  • 2 samples of news stories you edited
  • Sample podcast work

This position will remain open until filled. Complete applications received by 9/1/2023 will receive full consideration.

HIRING STATEMENT:

UW is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Educator and Employer. We are committed to a multicultural environment and strongly encourage applications from women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities.

In compliance with the ADA Amendments Act (ADAAA), if you have a disability and would like to request an accommodation to apply for a position, please call 307-766-2377or email jobapps@uwyo.edu

ABOUT CODY:

The Buffalo Bill Center of the West is located in Cody, Wyoming. Cody is a town in northwest Wyoming and a gateway into Yellowstone national Park. The Buffalo Bill Center of the West has 5 museums. These include the Buffalo Bill Museum, tracing William F. Cody’s life with multimedia displays, and the Draper Natural History Museum, with wildlife exhibits. Nearby, Old Trail Town is a re-created frontier town with 1800s log cabins and a saloon. Buffalo Bill Scenic Byway winds past craggy cliffs to Yellowstone National Park.