New York State Issues Reporter
WNYC/Gothamist Newsroom
The nation’s largest public radio newsroom seeks a smart and policy-savvy reporter to expose the inner workings of Albany and help New Yorkers understand how state government affects their daily lives.
This Albany-based reporter will report up to the WNYC newsroom but is charged with filing audio and digital stories in benefit of all public media organizations in the state. The right candidate will have a demonstrated talent for uncovering impactful stories through deep sourcing and creative approaches to the news. This reporter will provide essential context to readers and listeners about issues that affect all residents of New York State -- on the streets, in our schools, in our environment and in the workplace.
This best candidate is flexible, comfortable working on a variety of platforms and holds themself to the highest levels of journalistic excellence. They believe in the usefulness in both a quick fact box and Q&A, as well as a compelling long-form narrative audio feature. They aren’t afraid of data -- either in their reporting or about their reporting. They are an experienced, mature reporter who thrives in a fast-paced environment and loves pulling back the curtain on the Capitol’s byzantine, opaque processes.
This grant-supported position is a key step in helping to grow an Albany bureau that serves millions of public media listeners and readers around the state, ensuring that New York State government works for the people who live here. This is a two-year grant-funded position. The role may be extended beyond the initial term, subject to the availability of funding.
This role reports to the WNYC People & Power Editor.
Responsibilities:
Report and produce news stories in both text and audio form that are clear, thorough, fair, timely and accurate
Conceive, source and pitch stories on a variety of topics that will engage listeners and readers, answering pressing questions and giving daily utility that drives daily audience habits
Consistently meet deadlines on any daily news while working on enterprise stories
Develop sources that lead to scoops our audience can’t get elsewhere
Participate fully as a member of the People & Power team by contributing to coverage plans, meetings and brainstorming sessions
Effectively coordinate with other editors and digital journalists, including those at other public media outlets
Qualifications:
Minimum of 5+ years professional daily journalism experience, preferably covering a policy beat
Experience in using production systems and software tools required to edit, produce and curate content on a variety of platforms
Aptitude and comfort with using a broad range of media, including audio and text
Knowledge of basic SEO and other digital audience skills
Versatility working across production platforms and subject areas
Ability to see the story that’s going to engage readers and to anticipate reader interests
Deft writing and editing skills, including the ability to sharpen or rewrite copy under immediate deadline pressure
Sophisticated communication skills, including oral, written, and public speaking
Deep commitment to accurate, ethical journalism; and impeccable journalistic integrity and judgment
Demonstrated knowledge of complex social and cultural issues
Self-starter with proven ability to meet deadlines and pay close attention to detail and fact-checking
Ability to manage several story assignments concurrently
Demonstrated commitment and ability to contribute an equity lens to every aspect of reporting
The ability to work effectively and/or interact with the public and with other staff at New York Public Radio
Additional Information
This is a full-time role with a salary range of $90,423.21-$110,000 per year (plus a full benefits package). Salary offered within this range is determined by skills, experience and organizational pay equity. New York Public Radio offers excellent medical, dental, and vision insurance, vacation, personal and sick time as well as parental leave.
This role is based in Albany, however, it may require occasional travel to our New York City office.
This position is covered by a collective bargaining agreement between New York Public Radio and SAG-AFTRA.
Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
New York Public Radio is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We continuously strive to place our employees at the center of our thinking and elevate inclusive practices to develop and support a more engaged and productive workforce. Our journalism and operations in the service of that journalism benefit from a broad range of perspectives, from all backgrounds, at all levels of the organization. Diversity is essential to honest, authentic, accurate storytelling and reportage; creating an institution in which all voices are encouraged, valued, and heard.
Equal Opportunity
New York Public Radio is an equal opportunity employer committed to achieving the goal of equal employment opportunity for all. Applicants and employees are considered and evaluated for positions without regard to mental or physical disability, race, creed, color, religion, gender, national origin, citizenship status, age, genetic information, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, employment status or any protected federal, state or local status unrelated to the performance of the work involved.
