Multimedia Journalist

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 a multimedia, video-first journalist as part of OPB’s strategic plan to grow our digital news video content to tell stories in innovative and creative ways, with new voices and 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 in visual journalism, as well as radio and text formats. For this role, OPB is seeking a versatile and creative visual journalist to fill a new reporter/producer position. 

The Multimedia Journalist (MMJ) will focus on short-form news video storytelling for OPB’s digital and social platforms. This position is an opportunity to work for a growing news organization that is committed to serving our community through essential reporting. 

Position Details 

The MMJ is part of the News visuals team based in Portland, and will cover a mix of assigned, self-generated and co-reported work, focusing on news impacting our coverage area. You may be a great fit for this role if you:  

• are dedicated to high-quality journalism and thrive in a fast-paced environment 

• are inspired to find innovative ways to tell stories in video 

• possess strong problem-solving skills and are open to new ideas and experimentation 

Responsibilities   

 Working closely with the Managing Editor of News Visuals and OPB’s News Director to identify key video storytelling opportunities, the MMJ’s primary duties include: 

• 70% – A General Assignment reporting position that focuses on breaking news coverage and other short-form video news reporting, most often with a daily deadline 

• Produce, edit and publish storytelling videos that engage and inform 

• Innovate video story ideas that based off of the news of the day, breaking news, or explaining complex issues  

• Pitch and report self-generated news video stories 

• Manage video process from pitch to production and work with digital team for posts 

• Collaborate with editors, reporters, and the editorial team to conceptualize and execute videos on a variety of beats 

• Produce videos that deliver news in an innovative way while maintaining high editorial standards 

• Write occasional text stories or expanded captions to accompany video storytelling 

• May produce photos and other forms of reporting, as needed 

• Connect with the community through visual storytelling and outreach 

• 25% 

• Provide video editing support as needed to craft videos using footage from our visual journalists, reporters and/or submitted footage 

• Collaborate with digital and social media team to maximize video audience 

• Maintain equipment. Ensure consistent workflow processes are followed regarding video production, archiving, tagging 

• 5% 

• Support visual team operations as needed, which may include attending news meetings, fielding visuals requests, scheduling shoots, etc. 

Working Conditions: 

• This work is a combination of field work, office and remote work. Fieldwork may include travel across the region, or nationally, including during inclement weather events. 

• Must live in Oregon or Washington state. 

• Work hours vary–will include some nights and weekends 

• Lifting/carrying/moving equipment up to 40 pounds is sometimes required 

• Local, regional, national, remote location travel required 

• Valid Oregon or Washington driver’s license required 

Minimum Qualifications 

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

• Minimum 3 years of professional visual and/or video journalism experience, in a newsroom or media environment. Comparable experience such as freelance work and commercial work would be considered. 

• Demonstrated understanding of video narrative and storytelling 

• Video editing experience 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills 

• Excellent news judgment 

• Proficiency with video, DSLR cameras and audio equipment 

• Advanced understanding of video editing software 

• Demonstrated excellence in reporting skills and crafting visual narratives 

• Understands AP style 

• Strong editorial news judgment and impeccable photojournalistic ethics 

• Able to work in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment 

• Self-motivated and directed 

• Exceptional time management, organizational and interpersonal skills 

• Willing to appear on camera when appropriate 

• A commitment to telling stories from varied communities and cultures 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Telling stories that resonate with broad audiences 

• Understanding of user experience trends and best practices for video and social platforms 

• Commitment to professional growth 

• Enthusiastic team player 

• Licensed drone operator 

• Animation and/or interactive graphic skills are a plus 

• Demonstrated understanding of journalistic purpose and commitment to our mission to connect people across Oregon and the Pacific Northwest through the power of a shared story 

Additional Information  

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

This position reports to Managing Editors of News Visuals 

The probable hiring range for this non exempt position is between $33.66 – $38.46 hourly, which is equivalent to $70,000 – $80,000 annually, depending on qualifications.  

How to Apply  

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

In your application, please share four online samples of your video work. Two of the samples should be breaking news and two should be features, all of them distinct clips from different stories. These may include news publication URLs, online portfolios or websites, YouTube, Instagram, etc. 

In your cover letter, please demonstrate how you have used video to report daily and breaking news stories in a compelling and comprehensive way, from pitch to post. 

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