Community Engagement Reporter

Dept Number/Name: 0-0662-000 / WUSF-FM

Salary Plan: Administrative

Job Code/Title: 4752 / News Reporter

Hiring Salary/Salary Range: $55,000 - $62,000

Position Number: 00017237

WUSF is looking for a curious and creative journalist who engages with people who have questions about how state government works. The community engagement reporter will create stories-digital, social media, broadcast-from conversations they have with their fellow Floridians.

The heart of this project provides a place where Floridians from rural, suburban and urban communities can ask questions, provide news tips and be part of a statewide conversation on the radio, TV, online and through social media. This reporter will produce journalism around the problems individuals and families face on a daily basis, and on bigger issues like transportation, healthcare, education, the economy, and the accountability of state officials.

This reporter should love talking to strangers and everyday citizens as much as they do interviewing experts. This is not a desk job. Interacting with people in the community and hearing what they have to say is key.

ORGANIZATIONAL SUMMARY:

WUSF is a leading source of news, information, and cultural enrichment for West Central Florida. We reach over one million people monthly through our NPR news station WUSF 89.7, Classical WSMR 89.1 & 103.9, and an extensive digital presence including live streaming, podcasts, newsletters, and social media. As a department of the University of South Florida, we have a dedicated team of 90 professionals and a budget of $11 million. We are deeply committed to our community, providing valuable internships to students and delivering content that informs, inspires, and connects. Our main studios are on the USF Tampa campus, with additional broadcast and production facilities on the USFSM and USFSP campuses.

POSITION SUMMARY:

WUSF is looking for a curious, creative journalist who engages with people with questions about how state government works. The Community Engagement Reporter will create digital, social media and broadcast stories from those conversations. The project provides a place where rural, suburban and urban communities can ask questions, provide news tips and be part of a statewide conversation. This reporter will produce journalism around problems individuals face on a daily basis, and on bigger issues like health, education, the economy, and accountability of state officials.

This reporter should love talking to strangers and everyday citizens as much as they do interviewing experts. This is not a desk job. Interacting with people in the community and hearing what they have to say is key. The ideal candidate can pitch a solid story idea, react and respond quickly. This visual storyteller will be producing video reels and stories that break down government decisions in ways that connects directly to Floridians.

Journalists in this role must have solid news judgment, a strong ethical foundation, and must maintain high editorial news standards. Video editing skills are required.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Participate actively with State Government team to develop and produce short-and-long-form journalism for Floridians. Produce regular, engaging short-form videos, audio and digital stories that help explain state government and its impact to residents.

Engage with communities across the state, listening to questions residents have about the state government. This may include organizing and facilitating group discussions.

Appear on Florida public media programs and podcasts to help amplify the voices of Floridians and state government issues important to them.

Assist in breaking news that impacts the state of Florida.

Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS:

MINIMUM:

This position requires Bachelor's degree in Journalism or Communications and two years of experience related to journalism and/or communications; or a Master's degree in the fields listed above. Four years of vocational/technical training and experience may substitute for the Bachelor's degree.

FLSB1310 Equivalency:

4 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for bachelor's degree.

6 years of directly relevant experience may be substituted for master's degree.

PREFERRED:

Experience in community engagement journalism and social media content production are a plus, as is radio, digital and public media experience.

This person must have an active driver's license and be able to drive to and from assignments, and be able to travel occasionally to locations across the state.

This is an essential personnel position. It will be based out of WUSF's Tampa studio.

USF Tampa

Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a Level 1 criminal background check.

Job Opening Number: 38207

Posting Date: 11/12/2024

Posting End Date: 11/26/2024

How To Apply

Click on the Apply Now button. When applying to an opening you will have the opportunity to upload a cover letter and resume.

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. YOUR COVER LETTER AND RESUME, PLUS ANY OTHER REQUESTED MATERIAL, MUST BE IN ONE ATTACHMENT. Only online applications are accepted for this position.

Click here for additional tutorial information.

To request an accommodation with the application or interview process, please contact Central Human Resources by telephone: 813-974-2970 or email HR-ADA-Request@usf.edu.

Equal Employment Opportunity

USF is an equal opportunity, equal access academic institution that embraces diversity in the workplace.

The University of South Florida does not discriminate on the basis of sex and prohibits sexual harassment. Any person may report sex discrimination, including sexual harassment (whether or not the person reporting is the person alleged to be the victim of conduct that could constitute sex discrimination or sexual harassment), in person, by mail, by telephone, or by electronic mail, using the contact information listed for the Title IX Coordinator. Reports may be made at any time either online or directly to the University's Title IX Coordinator.

USF's Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Statement.

Federal Rights

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws: Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) and Employee Polygraph Protection Act (EPPA).

Work Location

Campus map and location overview: USF - Tampa Campus

About USF

The University of South Florida is a high-impact global research university dedicated to student success. Over the past 10 years, no other public university in the country has risen faster in U.S. News and World Report's national university rankings than USF. Serving more than 50,000 students on campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg and Sarasota-Manatee, USF is designated as a Preeminent State Research University by the Florida Board of Governors, placing it in the most elite category among the state's 12 public universities. USF is a member of the American Athletic Conference.

Working at USF

With more than 16,000 employees at USF, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay region. At USF you will find opportunities to excel in a rich academic environment that fosters the development and advancement of our employees. We believe in creating a talented, engaged and driven workforce through on-going development and career opportunities. We also offer a first class benefit package that includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, tuition program and generous leave programs and more.

To learn more about working at USF please visit: Work Here. Learn Here. Grow Here.

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