POSITION IDENTIFICATION
TITLE Reporter-Editor, KSMU & OPT
CLASSIFICATION NUMBER 5090
GRADE 42
CLASSIFICATION Exempt
IMMEDIATE SUPERVISOR Director of News and Content Coordinator
GENERAL FUNCTION
The Reporter-Editor, KSMU & OPT employs storytelling, imagination, empathy, journalism ethics, and technical skill to produce content for the broadcast and digital platforms of the KSMU News Department, with an emphasis on governmental affairs reporting and citizen impact storytelling; to contribute to public affairs programming on Ozarks Public Television (OPT); to train and coach student journalists; and to contribute to the organization’s public service mission and commitment to earning and maintaining public trust.
MINIMUM ACCEPTABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education: A bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in Journalism, Electronic Media, or a related field is required.
Experience: At least one year of experience in journalism, with practical experience in the area of news/features reporting is required. Experience with audio editing software is preferred. Experience in local government reporting is preferred. Experience in public media is preferred. Experience filing with a national network is preferred. Experience in TV reporting/producing is preferred.
Skills: Excellent oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills are required. The ability to articulate and demonstrate journalistic ethics is required. The ability to operate technical audio broadcast equipment is required. The ability to train and work with students is required. The ability to develop knowledge of, respect for, and skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds is required. Radio news writing and investigative journalism skills are preferred.
Other: The position requires availability to respond to emergencies as needed.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Generates news content by pitching, researching, reporting, writing, editing, and voicing original stories on a broad range of subjects for KSMU’s broadcast and website.
2. Creates broadcast and digital content that explains local public policy and illustrates through storytelling its impact on residents.
3. Develops and maintains professional relationships with local officials, policymakers, business leaders, subject matter experts, and other community members to assist in research and reporting of news content.
4. Produces sound-rich audio stories for broadcast on KSMU, with proficiency in all elements of the audio production process.
5. Produces content for KSMU’s website and other digital media, with proficiency in content creation and presentation in KSMU’s website content management system.
6. Contributes to journalistic collaborations as a representative of KSMU/OPT as assigned, including local, statewide, and regional partnerships.
7. Provides production support for KSMU special programs, such as Making Democracy Work, Making a Difference, and Studio Live.
8. Contributes to KSMU’s mission to educate journalists, by providing training, coaching, editing, and other guidance of student journalists as assigned by Director of News and Content Coordinator.
9. Contributes to the public radio system by developing and maintaining a relationship with NPR’s regional bureau chief; pitching original stories for consideration on national news programs and newscasts; and responding to requests for local support of national news coverage.
10. Produces, writes, edits, and serves as on-air talent for OPT public affairs programming.
11. Adheres to all KSMU and OPT policies and procedures to ensure ethical and effective public service to the community.
12. Participates in on-air and community-based fundraising and engagement activities as assigned.
13. Promotes a positive image of the stations and University through participation in community and professional organizations, representing the stations and University at professional meetings and on community committees, and establishing and maintaining credible relations with local and area news media.
14. Contributes to a work environment that encourages knowledge of, respect for, and development of skills to engage with those of other cultures or backgrounds.
15. Remains competent and current through self-directed professional reading, developing professional contacts with colleagues, attending professional development courses, and attending training and/or courses required by the Director of News and Content Coordinator.
16. Contributes to the overall success of Broadcast Services by performing all other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
SUPERVISION
The Reporter-Editor, KSMU & OPT is supervised by the Director of News and Content Coordinator and will supervise interns and student employees.
OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES
NOVEMBER 2021
