Eastern Oregon Reporter

Job Description

About OPB  

Oregon Public Broadcasting (OPB) is an independent, nonprofit media organization serving communities across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest. Powered by the generous support of members, OPB connects people through trusted journalism that is freely accessible to everyone. Guided by public service and a commitment to equity, we deliver in-depth, fact-driven coverage of politics, science and the environment, arts and culture, education and more. OPB shares stories and programs wherever people seek them: on opb.org, OPB Radio and TV, the OPB News app, social media, streaming video, podcasts, or our daily “First Look” and other email newsletters 

The Opportunity  

We are hiring for the regional positions as a part of OPB's strategic plan to grow our statewide coverage and include new communities, new voices and new perspectives. OPB is growing and part of that is a commitment to continue and expand our work to be a trusted news leader throughout Oregon and SW Washington. OPB is seeking a versatile journalist to fill a new regional reporter/producer position in Eastern Oregon. This journalist will play an integral role in our continued commitment to serving communities as a trusted news leader throughout Oregon and SW Washington. 

Position Details 

The Eastern Oregon reporter/producer covers breaking news and daily and longer-term feature stories for OPB’s audiences from communities in the northeastern part of the state. The role involves reporting and researching, gathering sound and photos, writing for radio and digital platforms and collaborating with OPB’s social media team.  

The ideal candidate is a versatile writer/producer and a self-starter who is equally well-versed in beat reporting and breaking news, working on deadline and juggling multiple news priorities. The reporter will live and work in Eastern Oregon, preferably in Baker City, La Grande, Enterprise, Ontario or Joseph. 

Responsibilities   

 85% – This reporter/producer reports, writes and produces breaking and enterprise news stories on multiple platforms, including audio and digital. The bulk of their work focuses on rural communities in Oregon. This includes scheduling and conducting interviews and planning future news coverage related to the beat, recording and editing materials using digital audio tools, using social media for information gathering and engagement, taking photos and using OPB content management tools. 

10% – Participate in local news programming by appearing as a guest on shows like Morning Edition, “Think Out Loud®” and  All Things Considered and podcasts such as “OPB Politics Now” or being debriefed by an on-air host.  Support efforts to include more coverage of rural Oregon by suggesting guests and topics in OPB’s on-air programming.  

5% – Other duties as assigned, including.·  Represent OPB in external functions, including fundraising activities and community engagement events in rural Oregon.·  Produce online and broadcast reports for national public media outlets as needed 

Working Conditions: 

This reporter/producer will divide time between an office or home office and fieldwork as needed for newsgathering, which includes travel to remote locations, working evenings or weekends and possibly working in inclement weather. This position is based in Eastern Oregon with regular travel around Oregon. Lifting and carrying equipment up to 10 pounds is sometimes required. 

Minimum Qualifications 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field or the equivalent combination of education, training and experience that provides the requisite knowledge, skills and abilities for this position. 

• Three years equivalent full-time professional experience as a journalist. 

• Experience developing and maintaining a beat. 

• Ability to develop and maintain sources 

• Ability to collaborate and innovate with others in the production/content teams to create the best possible stories 

• Ability to work independently in a remote location, as well as work collaborate with editors and reporters throughout the Northwest. 

• Strong writing and interviewing skills. 

• A demonstrated interest in following stories over time. 

• Familiarity with photography, audio, video and social media in the presentation of news stories. 

• Ability to file live reports and participate in breaking news. 

• Strong organizational and time management skills. 

• Commitment to high ethical standards for journalism. 

• Adaptable, flexible, able to carry projects forward independently with appropriate direction and judgment. 

• Must thrive in a fast-paced working environment, take initiative and balance multiple priorities with speed and accuracy. 

• Enthusiasm for the mission of OPB and public media. 

• Enthusiasm for the changing news production environment and the tools and software used to facilitate our work. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Experience using audio recording and editing equipment. 

• Experience as a bureau reporter. 

• Spanish language skills 

• An eye for diverse voices and sources in stories. 

• Photography or video production skills. 

• Ability to shoot video and create other multimedia content for online distribution.  

• Experience using social media tools to communicate with audience members. 

• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite software. 

• Knowledge of issues relevant to the Northwest. 

Additional Information  

• This role is full time, benefits eligible, and represented by SAG-AFTRA 

• This position report to the Regional Managing Editor  

• The probable hiring range for this non exempt position is between $33.70 – $37.50 hourly, which is equivalent to $70,000 and $78,000 annually, depending on qualifications  

How to Apply  

URL Media is leading the search for this position. Please submit your cover letter and resume to be considered, and email talent@url-media.com with any questions or nominations.  

In your cover letter, please address the following question: What would you identify as the most important topics or issues in this region, and how has your experience prepared you to report on them?  

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