VPM is hiring a Digital Journalist

Job Title: Digital Journalist
Location: Richmond, VA (Hybrid/Field-Based)
Job Type: Full-Time with Benefits, Non-Exempt, Hourly
Department: News
Hiring Salary : $60,000-$65,000
SUMMARY VPM News is seeking a versatile, creative Digital Journalist to join one of the largest newsrooms and award-winning teams in Virginia.
VPM delivers essential local and statewide news across TV, radio, web, e-newsletters, podcasting and social media. The newsroom is part of a new, state-of-the-art headquarters in downtown Richmond, which serves as a hub for storytelling, civic dialogue and public connection. It’s an exciting moment to join VPM News as we grow our digital presence and expand what journalism can look like.
In this role, you’ll generate visual-first packages for our website and digital platforms — including YouTube, Instagram/Facebook, TikTok and more — growing and engaging audiences of all ages. You’ll also travel across our coverage area as needed to gather the visuals that bring these stories to life.
This is an overtime-eligible position, reporting to VPM’s Video Editor, that moves at the pace of Virginia’s news cycle. While the role generally follows a Monday–Friday schedule, scheduled night and weekend shifts are common, as are the occasional long, unpredictable days that come with breaking news.
As an independent, nonprofit news organization, we believe a diverse staff is essential to serving our community and fulfilling our mission to create and sustain a more informed public.
RESPONSIBILITIES Produces, shoots, and edits visual-first content for VPM News — including long- and short-form vertical and horizontal video, and digital photography — in collaboration with editors and beat reporters
Generates visual-first story packages for digital platforms
Works closely with the News Operations Manager and technology department to own our newsroom’s digital asset management
Assists colleagues in covering news events and transforming or repackaging them for digital platforms
Contributes to long-term digital series, as well as elections and other special events coverage as needed
Cultivates sources in the communities we serve, as well as in local and state government
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS At least five (5) years of experience producing digital journalism, photography and/or video for digital news platforms
Ability to operate a Canon XK605 Pro Camcorder and a Canon EOS R3 DSLR camera
Proficient in using video-editing software such as Adobe Creative Suite
Demonstrated understanding of digital journalism ethics and best practices, including filename conventions, caption and alt-text writing for readability and accessibility
Demonstrated organizational skills
Demonstrated experience working with diverse teams and audiences
Comfortable with using digital asset managers to find, retain, and archive visual assets for future newsroom use
Working proficiency in AP Style
Ability to possess and maintain a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and required car insurance
Ability to lift up to 75 lbs. at a time for extended amounts of time
Ability to work a flexible schedule including nights and weekends as necessary for breaking news
Excellent customer service and interpersonal skills
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, Slack, Airtable, Microsoft Office and Google Workspace
Strong ability to balance multiple priorities, projects and tasks
Ability and Remote Pilot Certificate licensure to operate a drone
OUR PERKS & BENEFITS 17 PTO days (based on tenure tiers)
3 Floating Holidays
12 Federally Observed Holidays
Catastrophic Leave
Options for medical, dental, vision, disability and life insurance for you and your family
Company-paid Basic Life and AD&DD
403b Retirement Plan w/ Match & 100% vesting from Date of Hire
Opportunities for learning and development.
Relevant educational and licensure reimbursement for qualified candidates
Transformative mental health employee assistance program (EAP)
Access to our Micro Market, Terrace, and Café

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