Community Engagement Reporter


 

Job Details

Job Location

Position Type

Salary Range

Application Deadline

Tampa, FL

Full-Time

$55,000-$62,000

11/26/2024

About WUSF

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.


Description

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.

MAJOR DUTIES AND 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.

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.