KPBS South Bay/ Imperial Valley Reporter I
Req No: 2025-18601
Category: Radio/TV/Multimedia
Type: Full-Time Contract
Salary: $31.45 – $36.31 per hour ($65,416 – $75,525 per year)
Close Date: 3/24/2025
Overview
The salary range for this position is $31.45 – $36.31 per hour ($65,416 – $75,525 per year) depending upon qualifications and is non‑negotiable. This recruitment will close on 3/24/2025 at 4:00 p.m. (PST). The role is part of the SAG‑AFTRA bargaining unit with KPBS. KPBS serves the greater San Diego community with television, radio, and digital programming. The South Bay/Imperial Valley Reporter will advance coverage of institutions in South Bay and Imperial County, including environment, public safety, politics, homelessness, good governance, industry, and development, and will produce stories that highlight the history and cultural diversity of the regions.
Benefits
- Working on a college campus & in public media: Access to campus facilities and staff perks, weekly farmer’s market, tons of eateries, community events, entertainment, etc.
- Hybrid schedule/ remote work flexibility options (varies by position)
- 10 vacation days, 1 personal day & 13 holidays off (4+ days off over winter break)
- Enjoy a 'beautiful day in the neighborhood' with local employee discounts
- Opportunity drawings to attend SDSU basketball games, local concerts and events
- Discounts on local attractions (theme parks, entertainment, restaurants, memberships)
- Free wellness classes & programs
- Staff pop-up events
- Full benefits packages that are unmatched (medical, dental, vision, life)
- Sick leave accruals and paid leave options
- On-site childcare at a discounted rate (based on availability)
- Opportunities for continued learning and professional development
- Flexible spending account(s)
- Employee assistance program
- Matching and voluntary retirement savings plan
Responsibilities
News Reporting and Producing (80%)
- Provide news content: spot news, feature reports, cut and copy, live debrief, tape talk, field packages, photos, video, audio, blog posts, and newscasts. Primary work is to start a story online, shoot video, edit, or partner with a videographer for longer pieces and move content across all news platforms.
- Follow the KPBS Strategic Plan and Editorial Vision at the direction of the News Editor.
- Research topics, analyze data, develop contacts and interview sources, maintain notes and broadcast recordings, write and edit reports, produce and voice reports for air, and work with a production unit to produce radio, TV and multimedia productions.
- Report stories in appropriate forms for online and broadcast (live on-air, copy, actuality, cut & copy, voicer, wrap, feature, series, documentary, feature follow, studio two‑way, radio, TV, etc.).
- Create content through excellent storytelling and high journalistic standards.
Planning (15%)
- Read and follow major developments on stories, especially on issues covered in the past.
- Maintain contact lists and files for on‑going continuity of coverage and accumulation of knowledge.
- Brainstorm beat‑specific story ideas with other reporters, supervisor and producers of radio, television, public affairs, and digital platforms.
Other Duties and Responsibilities as Assigned (5%)
- Attend meetings, represent the station at public events, responsibility for appropriate record keeping, correspondence, phone calls, supplies and equipment, and other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
Minimum Education
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training and work in journalism or related field.
Minimum Experience
- Two years of progressively responsible or related experience as a reporter.
Knowledge and Abilities
- Demonstrated excellence in basic news judgment and an understanding of journalism ethics.
- Ability to write broadcast scripts and/or web stories.
- Understanding of proper news style (including AP style), structure and grammar.
- Ability to voice for TV/radio.
- Ability to do (and/or willingness to learn) TV stand‑ups/live shots.
- Demonstrated audio and/or video editing skills.
- Ability to shoot/record/edit audio/video for radio & TV platforms.
- Ability to build, develop, and maintain sources.
- Knowledge of and willingness to obtain knowledge of institutions/communities throughout San Diego & Imperial counties and/or on the assigned beat.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic computer skills.
- Demonstrated knowledge of basic photography skills and the ability to capture images for digital story illustration.
- Ability to use and maintain field cameras and related equipment.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain working relationships with supervisors, coworkers, and students.
- Ability to think creatively about topics and story angles and generate engaging story ideas.
- Knowledge of and adherence to high ethical standards.
- Knowledge of standard English grammar, spelling and AP Style.
- Ability to meet deadlines, handle multiple stories at once, and shift gears quickly.
- Ability and willingness to work varied shifts.
- Proven ability to consistently work well with editors and station colleagues, demonstrating respect for diverse constituencies at KPBS and within the public broadcasting system.
- Demonstrated ability to understand and follow posted work rules and procedures.
- Demonstrated ability to work in breaking news situations.
- Ability to commute and visit offsite locations to find and interview sources as well as attend various events relevant to stories.
Preferred Qualifications and Special Skills
- Advanced degree, preferably in journalism or beat‑related field(s).
- Fluency in a language in addition to English, e.g. Spanish, to connect to San Diego’s diverse communities.
- Expertise in analyzing data to find story trends.
- Track record of accountability‑driven journalism, including filing FOIAs and/or PRA's.
- Experience using engagement tools such as Hearken.
- Demonstrated skills in using video and audio recording equipment, still cameras, and audio and video editing software.
- Ability to successfully engage audiences via social media.
- Experience in digital production, including still photography.
- Journalistic experience on multiple platforms including digital, video and audio reporting.
- Journalistic experience in public radio or television.
- Possess some knowledge of current San Diego and regional issues.
Additional Applicant Information
- Candidate must reside in California and live within a commutable distance from SDSU at time of hire.
- Job offer is contingent upon satisfactory clearance based on background check results (including a criminal record check).
- SDSU Research Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. Consistent with California law and federal civil rights laws, SDSU Research Foundation provides equal opportunity in employment without unlawful discrimination or preferential treatment based on race, sex, color, ethnicity, or national origin or any other categories protected by federal or state law.
- Employment decisions are based on an individual's qualifications as they relate to the job under consideration. Our commitment to equal opportunity means ensuring that every employee has equal access to resources and support.
- SDSU Research Foundation complies with Titles VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the California Equity in Higher Education Act, California’s Proposition 209 (Art. I, Section 31 of the California Constitution), and other applicable state and federal anti‑discrimination laws including grant or contract terms and conditions related to funded program activities. Further the SDSU Research Foundation maintains a Nondiscrimination Policy that prohibits discriminatory preferential treatment, segregation based on race or any other protected status, and all forms of unlawful discrimination, harassment, and retaliation in all programs, policies, and practices.
- SDSU Research Foundation makes all employment decisions including, but not limited to, applicant screening, hiring, promotion, demotion, compensation, benefits, disciplinary actions, and terminations on the basis of merit.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement
- We are an equal‑opportunity employer and require and approve of a diverse and inclusive workplace. We value a wide range of experiences and backgrounds.
- We are dedicated to providing a positive and inclusive work environment for all employees and applicants.
- We are committed to making decisions about hiring, placement, status, pay, benefits, and all other aspects of employment based on the merit of qualified employees and future applicants while needing any personal characteristics, sincerely.
#J-18808-Ljbffr